Our Programmes: Start-up and Freelancer

The Loughborough Enterprise Network's Start-up Programme is a pre-accelerator which will provide you with the support, structure and practical time you need to really interrogate, test and validate any business ideas. While our Freelancer Programme is specifically designed for those wanting to start-up a freelancer business and work for themselves.

a orange semi circle on teh left of the picture containing a rocket and the words 'start up' the rest of the picture being a purpel background with a white circle logo with the words 'Loughborough enterprise network' and against the main purple background orange writing of 'freelancer programme'

Freelancer Programme

Freelancers work in a range of professions, for example artists, designers, photographers, make-up artists, copywriters, digital marketing gurus, and you can find freelancers in most industries.

For some freelancing can be a full-time profession, but for others, it can be an opportunity to turn their skills and talents into a profit-making venture as a ‘side hustle’.

The Freelancer Programme is brought to you by the Loughborough Enterprise Network. It has been specifically designed for those wanting to start-up a freelancer business and work for themselves. We have completed our first successful pilot programme and are looking to open the programme again. The Freelancer Programme is your chance to join an innovative programme and equip yourself with the skills to succeed in any industry.

Freelancer Eligibility and How to Apply

Eligibility criteria:
Eligible applicants must have a freelance business idea or an operational freelance business that needs support. The programme is to help develop the business or the idea and will not help you to create a business or idea.

• Must be a student of Loughborough University or Graduate (within 2 years)
• Must be interested in pursuing a freelance career after graduation
• Must be committed to self-development and implementing the learnings taught throughout the programme.

Start date May 2024 for 7-8 weeks


If you have any questions or problems please let us know: LEN@lboro.ac.uk

orange background again a purple rocket with on the other half fo the picture the circular Loughborough Enterprise Network Logo and the text 'start-up programme'

Start-up Programme

Our Start-up Programme is a pre-accelerator which will provide you with the support, structure and practical time you need to really interrogate, test and validate any business ideas. This means you may have goals of deciding if the idea has legs, registering or launching your business and / or applying for our next Start-Up Fund round - for your chance to be awarded up to £5,000! 

Offering you priority 1:1 and peer-to-peer support and associated pitch competition to help you to turn your idea(s) into the real-deal, taking your new or existing business to the next level and helping you to become funding ready whilst giving you practical tools outside the programme to use in the future.  

Our Start-up Programme will give you the time and virtual space and support required to move things forward around your studies and expert guest speakers and mentors will be on-hand throughout. The programme will be for all who wish to validate an idea but with bespoke online support for Freelancers, Sole Traders, Limited Companies and Social Enteprise/Charities.  

Start-up Eligibility and How to Apply

Eligibility:

To ensure that you get the most benefit from taking part in our Start-up Programme, we politely request you are available to attend the live sessions and have time to complete additional content.

The time commitment and being able to get involved is really flexible: 2-3 hours a week, from 22nd June - 3rd August 2023 (approx. 2 hours commitment time a week every Thursday). 

 

The start date is 22nd June 2023 - with a 1-2-1 with a LEN team member before this date, to discuss your needs and how it works should your application be successful.