Purpose of Support

Hannah Wright is the Founder and CEO of CirKits Ltd, a company celebrated for its award-winning educational resource, ComponentBuilder®. With over a decade of experience as a Computer Science teacher, Hannah was aware of the challenge of engaging students in this subject. This innovative tool makes computer science education enjoyable, allowing students to explore core computing concepts through hands-on experiences.

Hannah sought entrepreneurial support to enhance her business skills and broaden her understanding of navigating the business landscape. Initially focused solely on developing ComponentBuilder®, she recognised her limited knowledge of business management. The Innovative Entrepreneurs Programme (IEP) filled this gap by providing comprehensive training in business operations, exclusive networking events, and peer-to-peer connections through coaching and peer to peer networking. Hannah also gained access to funding sources and customised support at business hubs, which she credits as instrumental in reaching her current level of business acumen.

Challenges Faced?

Encountering numerous challenges, from balancing work and family commitments to managing daily tasks, Hannah struggled with the confidence needed to effectively approach and manage sub-contractors. Support from the programme network and her coach’s guidance helped her connect with other entrepreneurs as well as a wider ecosystem of business support, gaining insights and knowledge that boosted her confidence. The ongoing encouragement from her coach allowed her to step out of her comfort zone, prioritise her goals, and assertively pursue her milestones, contributing to the achievements she celebrates today.

Engagement Process

Personal one-to-one coaching sessions enabled a focused and prioritised approach to setting goals. The Innovative Entrepreneurs cohort served as a valuable network, with members offering each other advice, encouragement, and support through various entrepreneurial challenges. For Hannah, this group provided a relaxed, pressure-free space to connect and recharge.

Support Outcomes and Benefits

Development of the Value Proposition and Business Model Canvas, which provided Hannah with essential frameworks for understanding and growing her business were key outcomes of the support. Initially focused on product development, she found these tools invaluable for capturing the broader picture of her business and identifying areas for improvement. This process also prompted her to view her market more objectively, considering needs beyond her classroom and towards broader educational impact as she plans to launch her product early next year.

Hannah has officially registered her business and received, whilst receiving grant funding from Innovate UK and Royal Academy of Engineering where she will receive ongoing support via these programmes.

What’s Next?

As the programme concludes, Hannah plans to reconnect with valuable contacts she made throughout her journey who can provide insights on funding, commercialisation, and marketing strategies as she prepares to launch ComponentBuilder®.

Quote from Advisor

"Hannah Wright is a truly dedicated and visionary entrepreneur, passionately committed to reshaping Computer Science education with her innovative teaching tool, ComponentBuilder®. Working with Hannah on her journey to grow CirKits Ltd® has been inspiring—she brings an infectious enthusiasm and resilience to every challenge, from balancing the demands of entrepreneurship and family life to mastering the intricacies of business management. Throughout the Innovative Entrepreneurs programme, Hannah has consistently shown a willingness to step out of her comfort zone, embrace new skills, and engage deeply with both the entrepreneurial and educational communities. With her ambitious plans to launch ComponentBuilder® in 2025, I have no doubt Hannah will continue to make a lasting impact in the tech education space and wish her the best of luck with her business venture."

Quote from Client

“Joining the Innovative Entrepreneurs Programme has been a transformative experience for me. Initially, I had limited knowledge of the business landscape, but this programme has equipped me with invaluable insights, boosted my confidence, and connected me with a supportive network that is essential for my business growth and success. What I appreciate most about the Innovative Entrepreneurs Programme is the incredible community of entrepreneurs who stand by you through both triumphs and challenges. My coach, Chantelle Brandon Reeves, has been instrumental in encouraging me and pushing me beyond my comfort zone. I can genuinely say that her unwavering support and passion for my success have shaped me into the strong businesswoman I am today. If you're looking for a solid foundation to kickstart your entrepreneurial journey, I wholeheartedly recommend this programme as the perfect starting point!”