That’s where the university’s Business Start-Up team plays a vital role. They support both students and graduates through mentoring, funding opportunities, workshops, and practical training designed to turn ideas into action.

Following ongoing discussions with Husen Ismail, Manager of the programme, Your Students’ Union is now working in partnership with the team to help students connect with the start-up support available to them.

As part of this partnership, I’d like to strengthen student awareness of existing start-up opportunities and ensure students with business ideas feel supported throughout their journey.

What support is available?

Through the Business Start-Up Programme, students can access:

• Mindset and skills workshops to build entrepreneurial confidence

• Intensive start-up bootcamps to develop, test and launch business ideas

• One-to-one mentoring from experienced founders and industry professionals

• Competitive start-up funding, with awards of up to £5,000 for start-ups

• Incubation space where founders can work, collaborate and grow

• Freelance/Start-up placement year, to experience becoming your own boss

• Ongoing events and peer support through the Founders Forum

The programme supports students at all stages, from early ideas through to active start-ups,

and focuses on turning concepts into viable, real-world opportunities.

How the Students’ Union supports you

Your Students’ Union will:

• Promote start-up opportunities clearly

• Help you understand which support is right for you

• Signpost you to the right people at the right time

• Advocate for accessible entrepreneurial support on your behalf

Alongside this, we’ll be working with the University’s Business Start-Up Team to deliver start-up and funding-focused events on campus. These will give students practical opportunities to learn from experts, ask questions, and explore funding routes in an engaging way.

Keep an eye on SU communications and events listings for updates.

Get involved

If you have a business idea and want to explore turning it into a real venture, you can apply to join the Start-Up Bootcamp here.

Student founders can also apply for competitive start-up funding, securing a share of £10,000 to launch their start-up here. 

Join the Business Start-Up Team

Get in-person, part-time and flexible work experience on campus. Find out more here.

For general start-up enquiries, you can contact:

Andy McCall via email at: ac9893@coventry.ac.uk.