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Student Enterprise Accelerator Programme

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The University of Northampton is thrilled to announce an innovative support structure for the entrepreneurial spirit within our student body. With a particular focus on fostering early-stage business ventures, the Student Enterprise Accelerator Programme is designed to empower students with the knowledge, skills, and financial backing necessary to transform their innovative ideas into successful businesses.

This programme is being delivered by Building Business on behalf of Student Futures. Participation in ALL workshops is mandatory for progressing to the next phase of the programme and for eligibility to apply for program-specific funding. Please be aware that submission of an application does not guarantee funding allocation. Enterprise Accelerator workshops must be booked individually.

For further information email studentfutures@northampton.ac.uk

Funding Opportunities: Start, Build, Grow

Our unique funding framework offers three escalating levels of support, catering to businesses at various stages of development:

  • Start: Receive £500 to kickstart your business journey. Ideal for students looking to explore or validate a business idea.
  • Build: Secure £1,000 or £2,000 to build your venture. Tailored for students ready to launch or accelerate their validated business idea.
  • Grow: Attain £3,000-5,000 to expand your business. Perfect for ventures with proven traction, aiming for growth.

Supported by Santander and Higher Education Innovation Funding, these grants are a golden opportunity for UK students to bring their entrepreneurial dreams to life.

  • Embark on a self-discovery and skill enhancement journey with our four-stage workshop series, each session lasting 2 hours. These workshops are crafted to bolster your confidence and equip you with the foundational skills to navigate the entrepreneurial landscape.

    • Session 1: First Steps to Success – Discover the initial steps to take on your entrepreneurial journey.
    • Session 2: What Makes an Entrepreneur – Uncover the traits that constitute a successful entrepreneur.
    • Session 3: Communication is Key – Learn the importance of effective communication in business.
    • Session 4: Coaching for Personal Growth – Engage in coaching to foster personal and professional growth.

  • Stage 2 offers 6 enterprise workshops, exclusively accessible by invitation only from Stage 1. These workshops are designed to lay the groundwork for self-employment and business start-up success. Recognising the diversity of our participants, we’re dedicated to customising each session to meet your unique needs. Our dynamic approach allows us to adapt the content and delivery method throughout your journey, ensuring the most effective learning experience. Attendance at these workshops is crucial for moving forward in our program and unlocking the opportunity to apply for funding, enhancing your path to entrepreneurial success.

    • Session 1: Introduction to self-employment
    • Session 2: Business Basics
    • Session 3: Defining Your Product and Identifying Your Customers
    • Session 4: Business Requirements and Marketing (regulatory compliance and contracting with the Public Sector)
    • Session 5: Looking After Finances
    • Session 6: Business Planning

    By the end of Stage 2 students will have a fully completed business plan ready to then develop their pitch for funding.

  • Pitch for Funding Workshop and One-on-One Guidance

    During this crucial stage, participants will engage in a comprehensive half-day workshop focused on mastering the art of pitching for funding. Through a combination of insightful examples and practical exercises, we aim to equip our students with the skills necessary to effectively present their business ideas. Additionally, this stage includes a vital one-on-one session, designed to bolster the confidence of our participants, ensuring they’re fully prepared to make their funding pitch.

    A highlight of this session is the opportunity to hear from successful entrepreneurs who have navigated the journey from grant application to business realization. These guest speakers will share their personal experiences in self-employment and the impact of winning grant funding on their business ventures.

    Beyond the initial stages of our program, we are excited to offer extended support through our Business Development & Sustainability initiative. This includes personalised one-to-one business support sessions aimed at reviewing your business model and formulating action plans for sustained growth. To complement these sessions, telephone coaching will be available, offering a channel for ongoing support, progress tracking, and strategies for continuous improvement. This additional layer of support is designed to ensure that the foundations laid during our workshops translate into long-term success and resilience in the business world.

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