WeWork, the global flexible workspace provider, has opened applications to its new Diverse Founders Programme in collaboration with award-winning social enterprise, Foundervine.

The programme will provide ethnically diverse founders with access to 100 WeWork Labs memberships through its community Labs platform, as well as hot desk spaces, starting in January 2021.

The pandemic has hit diverse founders the hardest says Mathieu Proust, General Manager, WeWork UK, Ireland and Emerging Markets: “We know the power of being part of the WeWork community – we’ve seen so many entrepreneurs come through our doors and build successful businesses.

“This pandemic has heightened the inequality of opportunity that we know exists across the professional world, and small businesses led by diverse founders are among those who have been hardest hit. That’s why we’re partnering with Foundervine to help play our part in creating a fairer, more inclusive business network for diverse founders to grow and thrive.”

The successful founders will have their choice of hotdesk space at any UK and Ireland WeWork location, including 60 spaces across London, to help find a suitable and convenient workspace for their business needs.

As well as an annual membership to a flexible workspace, WeWork’s Community Labs membership will also give the diverse founders online access to mentoring and opportunities, educational programming, a global network and exclusive member benefits and discounts.

The partnership is part of the organisation’s greater efforts to create a diverse and inclusive ecosystem, says Izzy Obeng, Managing Director of Foundervine: “It’s great to announce our partnership programme with WeWork, helping level the playing field for diverse early-stage entrepreneurs.

“Over the last two years, we have helped 2,000+ diverse, future leaders with opportunities to grow and thrive, and we’re excited to work alongside WeWork to equip even more founders with the tools and opportunities to succeed.”

The programme launch coincides with WeWork’s series of events to mark Black History Month, from online workshops to hosting art exhibitions celebrating Black artists.

The Diverse Founders Programme will launch with a digital panel event on Tuesday 27th October, where WeWork and Foundervine will discuss why it’s more important than ever to support diverse founders and celebrate diversity and inclusion in the business community.

To RSVP to the panel event, click here.