Start-Up Fund
Start-up Funding is exclusively for Loughborough University and Loughborough University London students and graduates (up to two years) unless otherwise stated. Stage 1 – Expression of Interest Form, will open on January 1st 2024.
What is the Start-up Fund?
Designed to support your business ventures – including existing businesses/developed ideas and/or new ideas.
The Start-up Fund (SUF) is grant! Receive up to £5000 – You will be required to provide a funding ask as part of the application process.
The Start-up Fund process has been evaluated and updated - as of August 2023.
Enterprise Funding is accessible and inclusive to all students and graduates within 2 years of graduation.
Graduates: Eligibility to apply for the SUF until 2 years from the date of your studies ending.
Stage 1: Expression of Interest:
Submit an Expression of interest form opens on Monday 1st January 2024.
Expression of interest deadline: 11:59pm - Sunday 31st March 2024
Our team will review your expression of interests and ensure your eligible for the funding after the closing date 31/03/2024.
Please check our terms and conditions here before submitting your expression of interest.
If you have any questions regarding the fund in the meantime, please contact LEN@lboro.ac.uk
Start-up Fund Information/Process Example
Start-Up Fund Process:
Stage 1: Expression of Interest:
Submit an Expression of interest form
Our team will check your expression of interests and ensure you eligible for the funding. Please check our terms and conditions here before submitting your expression of interest: https://www.lboro.ac.uk/students/len/start-up-fund/what-we-fund/
If unsure please email us to discuss LEN@lboro.ac.uk
Stage 2: Pitch Deck
If your expression of interest is eligible, you will be invited to submit a 5 minute pitch deck and a separate document detailing your funding request (up to £5000) and estimated items/quotes/costs.
You will also be asked to reference if your business relates to one of the Universities Strategic Themes.
- Submission of Pitch decks must be received by specified deadline.
We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and appreciate that each person can thrive when given the opportunity to. Therefore, we are happy to discuss your needs on a case-by-case basis to ensure accessibility requirements are considered - please contact us via email: LEN@lboro.ac.uk
Stage 3: Live pitch to SUF panel
Your pitch deck will be reviewed by the Loughborough Enterprise Network team and if successful you will be invited to pitch ‘live’ to our funding panel (in-person and online options to pitch will be available).
Outcome:
Once you have presented to a live panel, the LEN Team will contact with you with the official outcome of your pitch, along with official feedback.