Leeds tech startup Paperound has launched a new initiative, Get More Done Leeds, to help grow the next generation of startups. 

Working with Leeds City Council, the scheme will provide digital resources to young firms in Leeds, connecting them with local emerging talent.

Startups can access a subsidised student resource through Paperound’s talent platform. Called ‘Taskers’, the students from Leeds universities provide on-demand support for digital projects and tasks for local entrepreneurs.

All Taskers on the Paperound platform are current students who are keen to build their experience and provide a valuable  service to businesses. Paperound pre-vets all Taskers via a qualification interview, selecting those that show initiative, relevant skills, and a desire to deliver value to businesses.

Jake Fox, founder of Paperound, said: “Paperound connects talented students with growing startups, enabling a flexible way of working for the firms and giving valuable experience to the students. 

“Paperound brings both sides together to facilitate growth, and our partnership with Leeds City Council enables us to provide a range of invaluable resources to help our regional startups grow and to Get More Done Leeds.

“As a student I was really keen to get involved in and learn from small-businesses, but without established networks or connections I struggled to get introductions to companies that could provide paid work that would broaden my experience.

“Once I graduated I regularly witnessed the difficulties that small businesses face when trying to get lots of important tasks done with little budget and few resources. Founders and entrepreneurs are constantly faced with the challenge of prioritising work that actually grows the business, whilst keeping up with the day-to-day admin and marketing functions that keep the company wheels turning. These businesses really needed  an extra pair of hands at those busy times.

“Having seen both sides of the coin I wanted to create a simple tool that could connect students and small businesses in a way that benefitted them both. Paperound enables that.”

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Qualifying businesses can utilise up to ten hours of the student talent available on the platform to delegate digital tasks such as graphic design, market research, social media content creation, data analysis, administration and content writing. 

To qualify for the initiative, firms must be Leeds-based and less than two years old, with a highly scalable proposition in a growing market.

Firms can find out more by going to paperound.com/getmoredoneleeds.