A University of Sunderland graduate has launched a digitial platform designed to help companies access billions of pounds in unclaimed support.

Michael Okare Shaba is the founder of Poundswise, an online platform that combines business promotion with access to local grants, loans and support schemes based on postcode.

The idea came from Michael’s own experience.

After moving to the UK to study, Michael worked in a care home and took on factory night shifts to support himself while completing his degree.

Michael Okare Shaba is the founder of Poundswise. Photo credit Steve Brock.

placeholder image — Michael Okare Shaba is the founder of Poundswise. Photo credit Steve Brock.

Despite graduating with a distinction in project management from the University of Sunderland and later being recognised by Tech Nation as an Exceptional Global Talent, securing funding for his own business proved far from easy.

Michael said: “I realised there was support available but many businesses simply didn’t know where to find it.

"The real gap isn’t funding – it’s awareness.

"Founders often spend all their energy building a business and don’t have time to track down every grant, loan or support programme that could help them grow.”

Michael is a University of Sunderland graduate. Photo credit Steve Brock.

Poundswise allows businesses to purchase a digital space on an interactive UK map, placing their company logo directly onto their chosen location.

Customers can click on the location to discover more about the business and visit its website, helping to boost visibility and drive traffic.

Users can also discover local grants, loans, council-backed initiatives and business support programmes available in their area – all from a single platform.

One of its early success stories is Jennifer Orji, from Holding Hands North East CIC, who secured funding after discovering a grant through the platform.

She said: “Poundswise surfaced a local grant for a racial equity programme by Lloyds Bank Foundation that we had never heard of.

"We received the funding and it was a game changer.”

Michael continued: “Our mission is simple. We want to unlock funding and support that already exists and put it into the hands of entrepreneurs who are working hard to build something meaningful.

"No founder should have to close a business simply because they didn’t know help was available.”

Looking ahead, Michael hopes Poundswise will become a vital resource for businesses of all sizes.