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Support for entrepreneurs

The Enterprise and Start-up team is here to assist you in developing the skills needed for business start-up, self-employment, and innovation.

As alumni, you can access the following services for up to three years post-graduation:

  • networking opportunities
  • guest speaker events
  • skills and business start-up workshops
  • one-to-one business advice
  • access to free start-up office space (limited availability)
  • access to internal and external mentors

Opportunities for entrepreneurial success

Spring Start-up Awards

Our annual business ideas competition aims to inspire and motivate our entrepreneurial students and graduates by providing funding and support. This year, twelve young entrepreneurs emerged victorious, each winning a generous cash prize to help grow their businesses. Entries for our next Start-up Awards will open in Spring 2025.

100 Big Ideas

The 100 Big Ideas competition was created to inspire creativity, encourage ambitious thinking, and support you in achieving your goals both during your time at university and after graduation.

The competition offers 100 cash prizes of £100 each, with one exceptionally creative and ambitious student winning the grand prize of £500. Entries for the next 100 Big Ideas competition will open in Autumn 2024.

How to apply

If you are interested in applying for any of the awards mentioned above, sign up for the Start-up and Freelance Pathway on your Student Futures account. Begin working on your idea now with the support of our Student Enterprise team.

Find out more

Student Futures