Skill-up Fund

The Skill Up Fund aims to provide free financial support to students looking to enhance their skills for the purpose of running their own business. 
The fund can be used for personal development, skill acquisition, or business development activities! 

How to apply?

Applicants must complete the official application form provided by the Loughborough Enterprise Network and a 3 minute Video Pitch.

Form: 
The form will require you to provide Business Summary (if applicable)  – Personal Details and Proposed actions after the fund. 

Video Criteria: Problem, Solution, Ask

Applications should include a proposal outlining how the funds will be utilised for skill/business development – with the ultimate aim of preparing you/your business for success

3 minute Video pitch must be sent to LEN@lboro.ac.uk

Terms & Conditions:

1. Eligibility:

• Applicants must be current students of Loughborough University or graduates within 1 year of graduation.
• The Skill Up Fund is open to undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral students.
• Students from all disciplines and academic years are encouraged to apply.
• The maximum award amount is £250 per round however each applicant can receive a total of £500 (2x£250) from this fund overall. 

2. Fund Purpose:

The Skill Up Fund aims to provide financial support to students looking to enhance their skills for the purpose of running their own business. 

The fund can be used for personal development, skill acquisition, or business development activities. 

Examples of eligible expenses may include but are not limited to course fees, workshop attendance fees, purchase of software/tools, and equipment. 

3. Selection Criteria: 

Problem, Solution, Ask  

Applications will be evaluated based on the clarity of the proposal, relevance of the skill development to entrepreneurship aspirations, and the potential impact of the funds on the applicant's business/skill development. 

Demonstrating financial need is imperative to the selection process. 

4. Loughborough Enterprise Network will not support businesses or ideas that are related to any of the following: 

• Alcohol 
• Drugs (this includes any business or idea connected to tobacco, vaping, CBD oils etc.) 
• Pornography 
• Political or Religious agendas 
• Gambling 
• Illegal or Unregulated activity (such as cryptocurrencies) 
• Property 
• Finance or Trading (e.g. any ideas that would need approval from the Financial Conduct Authority) 
• Dating applications 

The Skill Up Fund panel reserves the right to adjust the award amount based on the merit and need of the application. 

DEADLINE - Friday 31st May 2024!