Introduction
As the first semester of this academic year draws to a close, we’re delighted to be able to reflect on some of the successes we’ve seen at Student Enterprise since September. From new support programme, renewed funding routes, widening participation and increased engagement with the wider University, we are really proud to be able share some highlights with you below.
Support Programmes & Initiatives
We launched two new support initiatives this semester, and saw the relaunch of our flagship competition – Swans Den.
Trailblazer Network
At the Trailblazer Network, our goal is to create a vibrant community of start-ups and provide them with a space to connect with each other and develop the knowledge and skills they need to succeed. Access workshops, drop-ins and socials, and network with fellow student/graduate businesses as well as tenants and advisors in our wider business community. We have over 25 businesses a part of the community since launching in September., with more workshops booked in for Semester B – focussing on topics such as marketing and funding. We will also have an upcoming opportunity to speak with business advisor from Lincoln City Council during expert drop-in and an exciting Spring Social in partnership with a leading venue in the city.
Membership is free for all University of Lincoln Students & Graduates who have a registered business! If you’re interested in joining, simply complete our Expression of Interest form.
Black Founders Accelerator
Applications launched for our inaugural Black Founders Accelerator, run with Black Business Lincolnshire and Barclays Eagle Labs. We have seen an incredibly successful uptake for the accelerator, which shows the strength and depth of black founders and entrepreneurs in Lincolnshire. We are really looking forward to facilitating the six-week launchpad from February!
Swans Den 2025
Our flagship competition returns for 2025, with Swan’s Den relaunching! To bolster the impact and value for participants, we are happy to say that we have partnered again with Unloc, who will be facilitating our popular bootcamp again this year. We are looking forward to March bootcamp and final – supporting a new cohort of entrepreneurial students with foundational business knowledge, development of soft skills such as pitching and presenting, and start-up funding for the winners.
Funding
We’ve launched two new funding streams to help pre-start, early-stage and growing student and graduate businesses.
Growth Fund: The Growth Fund is designed to support students and graduates from the University of Lincoln accelerate and grow their existing businesses. Applications are still open, here: https://forms.office.com/e/WRDmAN0tGm
Start-Up Fund: This is a grant of £500 for pre-start and early stage businesses to gain some funding to accelerate their business, run alongside online learning and bespoke 1-1 support with the Student Enterprise Team. Applications are still open, submit here: https://forms.office.com/e/ppy6shD8MG
Workshops
We ran our first two Lunch and Learn sessions, reinvigorating how we’ve previously done events with a more informal angle. The topics covered were: The Legal Stuff (contracts, IP, legal compliance associated with UK business structures) and accounting (building a financial infrastructure, invoicing, the right tools to use as a start-up). A special thank you to the local businesses; Wilkin Chapman, Ringrose Law, Sills and Betteridge, Streets, Rute Accounting and My Credit Controllers for taking part and giving their time to support our student businesses.
We are already planning the next events in our Lunch and Learn series, with our semester B events focussing on on marketing, funding and more. Keep an eye out for announcement on dates!
Engagement with the University
Fairs
Our team attended the Feel Good Fayre and Careers Fair this semester, getting face to face with new students and promoting self-employment as a viable route post—study
In-Curriculum Sessions
Our team continues to expand the reach of Student Enterprise by hosting sessions on self-employment in curriculum. This semester, we’ve engaged with Professional Practice Media, MA Design and PGR Natural Sciences!
Sparkhouse
One of our proudest achievements this year, we have become a vital partner in supporting our student businesses finding affordable office space. We have seen 3 businesses (so far!), move in to the University’s Business Incubation centre, Sparkhouse, where they gain access to a private office in a buzzing business community.
Conclusion
We are Looking forward to another packed semester in the New Year! Stay tuned for exciting updates on more support, and details on our upcoming Student Enterprise Conference for 2025!