Skill-Up Fund

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.

Not sure if this is the right fund for you?

Our Skill-up Fund, could be the fund for you if you're at a very early-stage with an idea that you'd like to test and give a go, or to help you develop your skills as an entrepreneur :) 

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. 

The maximum award amount is £250 per round however each applicant can receive a total of £500 (2x£250) from this fund overall. 

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

This fund is open to Loughborough University and Loughborough University London current students and graduates within 1 year of graduatio (Undergraduate,PostGraduate and Phd students are all eligible).

If you have any questions, please email LEN@lboro.ac.uk 

Applicants must complete the official application form provided by the Loughborough Enterprise Network and a 3min Video Pitch- you can find this on the Apply Now link below:

It includes...

  1. A Business summary – Personal details and proposed actions after the fund 
  2. Along with 3 minute Video pitch. This helps you practice and hone your pitching skills.  

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. 

 

 

 

 
Apply to Skill-up Fund

Terms and Conditions

Please click on the buttons below to read the relevant terms and conditions for this fund. Thank you.

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. 

  • Each student can receive a maximum value of £500 from the fund in two applications £250 & £250.  

The maximum award amount is £250 per round however each applicant can receive a total of £500 (2x£250) from this fund overall. 

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

 Problem, Solution, Ask  

 

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

 

Demonstrating financial need is imperative to the selection process. 

 

 

 

 

Successful applicants will be required to provide supporting documentation such as receipts, course registration, or confirmation of enrolment in skill development programs/business expenses. 

Successful applicants will be required to submit a brief report detailing how the funds were used and the outcomes of their skill development within one year of receiving the award. 

This report will be used for program evaluation purposes and to showcase successful stories. 

 

 

 

 

 

Funds will be disbursed to the successful applicants upon approval of their application. 

 

Payment will be made through the university's financial system via Learn so please ensure that your bank details are up to date on your learn profile and upon application you double check your student number is correct.  

 

 

 

 

The Skill Up Fund review panel, consisting of representatives from the Loughborough Enterprise Network and external expert panelists, will review and make decisions on all applications. 

All application materials will be treated as confidential and will only be used for the purpose of evaluating applications. 

All decisions are final and cannot be appealed, but applicants can reapply as long as panel feedback is taken on board. 

 

 

 
Terms and Conditions (What we fund)