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Startup Masterclasses

Find out more about each masterclass below.

We're hosting a series of free business masterclasses with some expert speakers to help inspire you throughout your startup journey. In each one hour masterclass you will hear from a range of speakers including previously successful startups who have experience in crowdfunding plus other experts in their field.

Masterclasses:

Available now

Session one: How to crowdfund your startup

Find out more

Available now

Session two: How to market your startup

Find out more

Startup masterclasses


Session one: How to crowdfund your startup

In this session we will go through the options available to you on Crowdfunder, explaining how best to set up your project for your idea. Focusing on how to maximise the use of rewards and how to shape your pages to potentially unlock +Extra funding from our partners. We will be joined by the Smiley Movement who will be looking to support projects through the process as well. We'll also be on hand for any questions you might have at this point.

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The speakers:

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Zoe Rees-Oliver

Zoe is our Project Funding Manager, with over 20 years experience within the hospitality and leisure industry. Zoe’s passion is helping startups achieve the funds they need and creating a positive impact on their crowdfunding experience. 


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Amy Packham

Amy Packham is the Chief Editor and Head of Smiley Movement, which is the Smiley Company's nonprofit part of the business aiming to make a positive impact on the world.

She leads a team of journalists and videographers to find, curate, and film people and organisations who are doing brilliant things across the globe. Prior to this, she has worked in features journalism for the past 11 years.


Connect via Linkedin


Session Two: How to market your startup

We will be joined by Marketing and PR experts as we host a discussion session about how to promote your business, the quick wins and how to build your customer base. We will also field questions you might have to the experts - to help you along the way.

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The speakers:

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Nerrisa Pratt

Nerrisa, founder of Untld Project, is a craft enthusiast who lives and breathes independent businesses. Her own business 'The Bargello Edit’ offers retro inspired craft kits for the modern maker. In 2021 she published her debut craft book titled ‘Bargello’.

Nerrisa also works with various brands including Hobbycraft, IKEA and The Range to name but a few.


Connect via Linkedin

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Viv Griffiths

Viv is the Co founder and Creative Director at Young Bright + Grey and Executive Board at Influential Agency Group.

He has vast experience in creating successful startup brands and brand positioning strategies. He is a leading expert in getting strangers to fall in love with businesses, by marrying brands and customers.


Connect via Linkedin

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Gwenno Jones

Gwenno Jones is Co-Founder of ethix digital, a digital marketing agency that specialises in scaling purpose-driven brands, social & environmental impact organisations, as well as charities.

An expert in all things paid social, Gwenno has helped businesses of all sizes achieve their goals with a data-driven, testing-led approach.


Connect via Linkedin


Session Three - Been there, done it

There's nothing better than hearing from people that have been in your shoes before. We will be exploring the journey of Danielle's startup that began on Crowdfunder and how she built beyond the initial campaign to establish her business. We will then open up the floor to questions to get you insights from those that can help.

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The speakers:

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Danielle Wallington

Danielle has successfully raised £21,308 in December 2022 to launch WRKHERE. A new app that aims to change the way the world works, by bringing women who work from home together.

She is also the founder of The Kindred an award winning community supporting female founders in their start up journey and beyond.


Connect via Linkedin

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Sami Jones

Sami Jones successfully raised £3,414 to launch Catch The Sunrise, an ethical jewellery brand. Where each piece is handcrafted by Sami in her small independent studio on the rugged north coast of Cornwall, using gold, silver and precious stones.

Sami now divides her time between Catch The Sunrise and her role as Head of Project Innovation at Crowdfunder.


Connect via Linkedin


Session Four - Making the leap

We know that even with the best laid plans, it's difficult to make that final step from idea or side hustle into a business. It can be even harder to leave employment to jump into your own business. So we've got two experts on hand to help you navigate the impact on your mental wellbeing with some great ideas that will steer your future approach.

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The speakers:

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Alex Hughes

Alex is the founder of Inspire 2 Ignite CIC, and a true believer in entrepreneurship as the ultimate form of creativity. Alex is a project firestarter, problem-solver, and highly motivated agent for change.

Alex has built and managed several businesses that focus on the power of clusters of entrepreneurs in economic and social development.


Connect via Linkedin

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Jacqui Purdy

Jacqui is an executive coach, who after a successful career in advertising founded Here to There, coaching for career and business.

In 2021 she went on to found Here and Now, a unique professional coaching practice blending western science with eastern philosophy. Jacqui helps her clients gain greater insight, fulfilling their potential across wellbeing, career and business.


Connect via Linkedin


Supported by

We are supported by these organisations

Smiley Movement is a nonprofit multimedia platform with a vision: to inspire positive change in society by highlighting the people – and organisations – doing good in our world. It aims to help the third sector – non-governmental and nonprofit organisations, such as charities, voluntary and community groups – better engage with the public, to create a ripple effect of positivity. It does this through Smiley News, Smiley Talks, the annual Charity Film Awards and a Matchmaking for Good service. Find out more.


*Full Terms and Conditions can be found here. All projects must adhere to the eligibility criteria to be eligible for 0% platform fees. Transaction fees will still be applicable - please see our fees page for more details.