There are a number of ways we support our students, graduates and staff to help them begin their own enterprises. Whether it's through our knowledge, support, facilities or academic pathways we are professionally equipped to create the right environment for commercial growth.
On this page:
The Student Enterprise team runs the Entrepreneurship in Action Scheme (EiA) students to develop their entrepreneurial talents while studying at LSBU. Current students who are serious about developing enterprising skills or have a project or business idea in mind can be supported with a cash infusion, office space, a business address and access to mentoring and training.
Since the start of the scheme over 30 businesses have been set up with the team's support - businesses vary from gluten-free cakes to an architectural visualisation company. Intake takes place twice per year, in January and September.
– David Kyekiikyo Semakula, MSc Building Services EngineeringI'm glad to have been part of the Entrepreneurship in Action Scheme. I've been able to start my 3D Architectural Visualisation company, with the scheme providing me with platform to secure seed capital for software and start up expenses on top of free office space. With the scheme I've also been able to create, organise and establish systems i.e. form policy statements and business strategy through access to workshops and events.
For more information or for an application form contact:
Yuliana Seymour
Student Entrepreneurship Manager
Tel: 020 7815 6913
Email: y.seymour@lsbu.ac.uk
The Enterprise Associate Scheme (EAS) supports recent LSBU graduates who have the drive, commitment and innovation to develop their own business or social enterprise. Enterprise Associates research, design, test and implement their business proposals over 12 months, while simultaneously enjoying structured learning and mentoring.
– Joshua Oliver, Enterprise AssociateI'd set up my business, Nought2Sixty Productions, in the final year of my degree based around music, film, art and events. When the opportunity to become an Enterprise Associate came up it was too good to ignore.
LSBU invests in its graduates with training, mentoring and an opportunity to bid for funds. Enterprise Associates usually gain hands-on business experience and may have achieved an investment-ready business by the end of the year.
Find out more about our recent projects by looking at our graduate entrepreneurs project showcase.
Whether you're an LSBU graduate, LSBU final year student or a business you can get all your questions answered by contacting:
Sheila Grace
Head of Intellectual Property and Student Enterprise
Tel: 020 7815 6921
Email: s.grace@lsbu.ac.uk
The Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Link Scheme gives current students the opportunity to get involved in a new enterprise. Working closely with entrepreneurs you gain a solid insight into the creation of a start-up company and there is £300 available to EELS students to cover expenses.
Applications are open all year round.
Email studententerprise@lsbu.ac.uk or call 020 7815 6912 / 6913.
'Make a Difference' is a cash award scheme for budding social entrepreneurs. Awards are available to help staff, students and graduates investigate and kick-start socially enterprising ideas. There are three levels of award - Try it, Do it and Build it.
The scheme also offers a tailored package of development support, seminars, workshops and networking opportunities. The social enterprise funding is partly provided by UnLtd and HEFCE.
For more information and deadline dates email socialenterprise@lsbu.ac.uk
The LSBU Enterprise Network is an opportunity to meet like-minded business people, students and entrepreneurs. You'll exchange best practices and gain insight into the support available to businesses in the local area. The group meet for informal networking opportunities and each event is themed on a particular area of business development or an issue businesses may face.
To join the Enterprise Network or for more information email: y.seymour@lsbu.ac.uk
Student Enterprise offers various business competitions throughout the year. Get involved and meet like-minded students and successful entrepreneurs. It is an opportunity to get funding and other resources you may need to start your business and gain valuable employability and enterprise skills.
There are two main LSBU competitions to take part in:
On your own or with a group of friends, prepare a business pitch and be ready to deliver it to guest judges who will choose their favourite which will win £500 cash towards business development.
Submission deadline: February 2014
The LSBU Business Plan Competition is your opportunity to build an idea into a real business. Each finalist receives three months of mentoring from a dedicated mentor to develop a complete business plan which is submitted to guest judges. At the grand final, the winner will receive £1000 cash, office space and mentoring support.
For details of the next submission deadline and for all information email studententerprise@lsbu.ac.uk or call 020 7815 6912 / 6913
The University supports a number of staff and student spin-out companies. The aim of these is to enable LSBU to commercially develop and exploit the ideas, inventions and designs arising from its research activities and our graduate entrepreneurs.
