The South Bank Works Incubator Programme is a structured set of classes, mentoring, peer-support, networking, and more! The incubator is arranged around three different sprints to validate (test your idea and understand it’s viability), build (understand how to build the business or freelancing operations), and grow (learn more about the investment landscape). It’s FREE!
South Bank Works
Validate your idea, build your business, and grow as an entrepreneur.Work. Innovate. Excel.
EXPRESS YOUR INTEREST EXPRESS YOUR INTEREST
SOUTH BANK WORKS INCUBATOR
Express your interest in joining a cohort of founders and freelancers with the space, structure, and support to work on your idea.
Read more Read moreStart-Up Funding
£500 for your new business – on us. Get reimbursed for expenses.
Read more Read moreHost a Stall
Sell your product or get feedback from users. Express your interest.
Read more Read moreHelp & Support
You bring the idea, we'll bring help! Drop by to get support, resources, tools, and more!
Read more Read moreVALIDATE, BUILD, AND GROW
Excel as a founder, freelancer, side hustler, and dreamer with South Bank Works.
LSBU's Incubator Programme offers expert-led masterclasses, personalised mentoring, a vibrant community, and a central co-working space to energise your progress.
The South Bank Works application to join the 2025-2026 cohort has closed. However, you may still express your interest in joining the LSBU Incubator Programme in the future or connect with other support opportunities by completing the form below.
£15K VALUE
FREE FOR YOU!
The South Bank Works Incubator Programme offers £15,000 worth of structure, support, and space so you can achieve your milestones...for FREE!
💡 £7K/Year of Programme and Personal Support, Including Masterclasses, 1-2-1 Expert Mentoring, and Peer-Lead Masterminds
🏢 £7K/Year Use of Co-Working Space and Meeting Rooms in Central London
| Week | Theme |
|---|---|
| Intro Wed., 8 Oct. | Programme Induction and Setting You Up For Success |
| Week 1 | Identifying the Problem |
| Week 2 | Validating the Problem with Customers |
| Week 3 | Defining Your Solution |
| Week 4 | Validating Your Market Size |
| Week 5 | Analysing Competitors and Competitive Advantage |
| Week 6 | Value Proposition & Barriers to Entry |
| Week 7 | Communicating Your Solution Visually: Build a Website in a Day |
| Week 8 | Adoption and Willingness to Pay |
| Week 9 | Business Models |
| Week 10 | Internal Demo Day |
| Ongoing |
Peer-Supported Mastermind Sessions. Personalised Support and Appointments with Industry Experts and Entrepreneurs-in-Residence. Setting and Checking-In on Your Milestones and Goals with LSBU Start-Up Manager. |
| Week | Theme |
|---|---|
| Week 11 | Unit Economics Fundamentals |
| Week 12 | Intellectual Property and Protecting Your Innovation |
| Week 13 | Tax Accounts and Legal Entities |
| Week 14 | Building Your Product Roadmap |
| Week 15 | Digital Marketing Strategies to Reach Your Market |
| Week 16 | Creating a Go-to-Market Strategy |
| Week 17 | Scale Up Strategies and Measuring Success |
| Week 18 | Preparing Your Pitch Deck |
| Week 19 | Funding Your Product |
| Week 20 | Demo Day with a chance to win £500 |
| Week 21 | Demo Day Review |
| Ongoing |
Peer-Supported Mastermind Sessions. Personalised Support and Appointments with Industry Experts and Entrepreneurs-in-Residence. Setting and Checking-In on Your Milestones and Goals with LSBU Start-Up Manager. |
| Week | Theme |
|---|---|
| Ongoing |
Personalised Support and Appointments with Industry Experts and Entrepreneurs-in-Residence. Setting and Checking-In on Your Milestones and Goals with LSBU Start-Up Manager. |
Download the South Bank Works Brochure PDF
MORE MASTERCLASSES, EVENTS, AND OPPORTUNITIES
06 June 2025
The Last Days of Judas Iscariot by Stephen Adly Guirgis
Directed by Aiden Condron
SOUTH BANK WORKS FAQS
Who is this programme for? Who can apply?
All LSBU students and alums with a business or developed business idea are invited to apply to the South Bank Works Incubator Programme.
What type of business do I have to have to join this programme?
The South Bank Works Incubator is open to all types of businesses and entrepreneurs! You may be a registered limited company, sole trader, freelancer, charity, or non-profit…just to name a few.
How will the South Bank Works Incubator Programme help me or my business?
The South Bank Works Incubator is a year-long programme to support your business idea development, help you gain customers, and elevate your enterprise.
The programme will reserve your time, give you space, and meet with like-minded innovators. Work towards personalised milestones to see your business idea grow. Network with other start-up founders, freelancers, social entrepreneurs, and entrepreneurially minded individuals who are also dedicated to your success.
What do I get from the South Bank Works Incubator Programme?
The South Bank Works Incubator Programme provides a number of benefits including:
- Access to mentoring and coaching towards your personalised milestones and goals.
- Exclusive masterclasses to inform, educate, and challenge you on start-up business knowledge.
- Support from peers in the mastermind sessions, where you will speak to your goals, challenges, and problems – and look for next steps to develop together.
- Co-working space at the Clarence Centre, on the LSBU Southwark campus
- Networking and community of like-minded entrepreneurs
- Opportunities for start-up funding.
- And more….
What do I need to do to apply for the South Bank Works Incubator?
To apply, please complete the application form and share information about your business, your existing skills, and what you hope to gain from a year-long programme. You will need to provide details including:
- Your information, including contact details,
- Your UK business registration number (if registered) or unique tax reference (UTR) number if you are self-employed,
- A description of your idea or business; help us understand the problem you are solving and how,
- Information about your current business set-up and customers,
- The business and professional skills you hope to gain in a year.
How do I get help applying or answering more questions about South Bank Works Incubator?
We are fully committed to removing barriers for people with additional needs, disability, learning differences, or medical conditions. If you need help with your application, please reach out to the us. If you have additional questions, please email starters@lsbu.ac.uk.
HEAR FROM LSBU'S FOUNDERS, FREELANCERS, AND IDEA-GENERATORS
Sara Leary - Unleash Bold
Sara Leary founded Unleash Bold and is redesigning women's underwear to absorb sweat, so they can feel confident and empowered.
Paris Renae Terriann Williams - The Nail Caps…
Paris built The Nail Capsule, a business providing high-quality, detailed nail treatments in a clean, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing environm...
Darshan Lal - Digithames Limited
Darshan and Digithames offers 24x7 high end web designing, SEO services, paid search, content writing, & E-commerce platforms.
From South London to Global Changemaker: Akos…
Akosua Dardaine arrived at LSBU from Trinidad and Tobago with a passion for finance and a dream of making a difference. What began as an academic purs...
Jennifer Brown - The Pathways Centre
Through The Pathways Centre, Jennifer is supporting and empowering neurodiverse minds, and the people closest to them.
Luka Pejcic - Pista
As the founder of Pista, Luka has created a social network for padel players that offers users a unique way to connect, compete, and create.
Kelly Gilloran- Resilience Speaker and Transf…
As a transformational coach and speaker, Kelly is making resilience feel accessible, human, and achievable for everyone.
Brandon Hopkins - Noah
Brandon is re-imagining CAD software with AI with a mission to enable anyone, anywhere, to build anything.
Gracie Symon - HerWorx
Innovating the workwear industry to ensure tradeswomen feel comfortable, confident, and most importantly safe in their clothing.
Rhi Whitaker - Cookie God and Margaret’s Prep…
Rhi is baking cookies with craftsmanship, patience, and ingredient integrity while managing a shared commercial kitchen so other creators can also gro...
Victoria Aanekan Joseph: International Market…
Victoria Aanekan Joseph joined LSBU's MSc International Marketing to build on her entrepreneurship background and gain global branding expertise. Thro...
Mustafizur Rahman - Mustafiz’s English Academ…
Through Mustafiz’s English Academy, Mustafizur Rahman breaks down essential grammar and everyday English into clear, step-by-step lessons.
Redefining career paths: How LSBU’s MSc Build…
After a successful first career in financial services and marketing, Andrew Paul was ready for a fresh challenge... one that combined analytical think...
Kaloyan Georgiev - Immerse Vision
With Immerse Vision, Kaloyan Georgiev is transforming physical locations into rich, explorable virtual experiences.
From Student to Future Entrepreneur: How Stud…
Discover how one LSBU graduate embraced Business Management as a launchpad for leadership, personal growth, and entrepreneurial ambition. From leverag...
Hasibul Hasan - Solivictus Group Limited
Hasibul Hasan is combining his roots with entrepreneurial ambition to create a trusted brand that bridges quality, culture, and value.
Beth Paterson - Gentle Steps Occupational The…
Beth Paterson, founder of Gentle Steps Occupational Therapy, helps neurodivergent children fulfil their potential by supporting them (and their parent...
Nasif Bin Saif - MandiGrip
Inspired by the natural world and the incredible mechanics of a stag beetle's mandibles, MandiGrip is helping to make surgeries faster, safer, and mor...
Farid Moulaye - Noorlytics
At CatCare LTD, we are creating a smart device that helps make homes safer and more comfortable, especially for people who need extra care.
Candice Davis - After Birth London
Candice is the founder of After Birth London, a website for resources for post-natal mums. She graduated from MSc International Business Management wi...
Alina Iskakova – BA (Hons) Marketing, Adverti…
Alina shares her journey of studying Marketing with Digital at LSBU, where she developed research skills and gained hands-on experience through multip...
Ricardo Scheel credits LSBU for his success a…
Ricardo Scheel, a recent graduate of London South Bank University (LSBU), has landed his dream job at Tesla after studying BA (Hons) Business Manageme...
Sarah Trieu - Craft Bear Studios
Cute, handmade crocheted items bringing comfort and joy.
Jack Baron - MArch Architecture
Meet Jack Baron, an Architect Graduate and now the Managing Director of Baron Architects.
Josh Myers - Denimolite
Josh Myers, Engineering Product Design graduate, invented Denimolite, a new material – a composite made from denim.
Hannah Saroli - BSc (Hons) Marketing with Dig…
Hannah shares her journey of studying Marketing with Digital at LSBU, where she gained hands-on experience and industry connections that led to a plac...
Asim Qamar Malik - Donatio
Donatio provides a platform for donors, charities, and recipients to trace funds and promote transparency of giving.
William Dittrich - RXCEL
RXCEL aims to streamline the medication distribution process in hospitals to improve efficiency, reduce errors, improve the work environment for healt...
Sean Fuller - Lodgepal
Lodgepal reduces the potential for scam with a vetting process between tenant and landlord.
Elizabet Ciochina - Sunshine Therapy
Sunshine Therapy uses talk therapy and subconscious reprogramming to help individuals explore and understand their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours ...
Bilge Kivrak - Ground Me
Ground Me is an innovative mental health app crafted to enhance everyday presence among its users.
Lilly Thompson - Lilly Pad Productions
Lilly Pad Productions is a lens-based Production company that specialises in Photography, Videography, and Creative Direction built from a collective ...
Roozbeh Bita - Cross Waves
Cross Waves streamlines the lighting and audio design, installation, and commissioning process.
Stefan-Teodor Visinescu - OncoHub
At OncoHub, we're on a mission to transform cancer detection through cutting-edge AI technology.
Shikira Gayle - Taste n See
Taste n See creates desserts using a sugar alternative that does not affect blood sugar levels and does not contain a lot of calories. The amount of f...
Felly Tshidibi Tshimanga - FELLY MODE
I want women to have the joy and peace of mind of having a dress made to measure that fits around their curves.
Anila Pervez- Solutionise
Learn about how our students utilise the Business Solutions Centre and work closely with start-up businesses in London. These relationship exchanges ...
Maxine Asare - Generations4Change
Every young person should be entitled to develop skills to enable them to feel they are contributing to their community.
Joshua Lawson Myers - Denimolite Ltd
We are reducing the environmental impact of the clothing industry and fast fashion by recycling unwanted garments and unusable manufacturing offcuts i...
Carrie Rutherford, Principal of LSBU Business…
Carrie Rutherford is the Principal of LSBU Business School at our Croydon Campus.
LSBU graduate Shoshanna Davis starts her own…
London South Bank University Alumni Pursues Remarkable Journey of Entrepreneurship.
Anna Mary Oyet is determined to set up her ow…
Anna Mary Oyet has strong ambitions, and even stronger motivations. Already trained as a nurse, she decided to retrain in midwifery after realising th...
Alumnus Sam Cox on his sustainable business a…
Sam Cox graduated with aPgDip Architecture in 2011 from London South Bank University.
Rebecca Clements starts Becky’s Bakes & C…
After graduating from LSBU with a BSc (Hons) Baking Technology Management, Rebecca Clements is using LSBU's Enterprise schemes to help start her own b...
Ardita Qerimi discusses her PR placement at R…
Ardita Qerimi, a first year BA (Hons) Accounting and Finance student, had the opportunity to intern for Entrepreneur Rafael Dos Santos (MBA), and cont...
Kathryn McKenna: “Suddenly I had three kids…
Kathryn McKenna was a stay-at-home mum when she decided to retrain in midwifery. Although she originally qualified as a translator, she had some exper...
Amanda Aboagye-Brobbey discusses her Master i…
Amanda is studying the Master in Business Administration (MBA) at London South Bank University (LSBU) to aid her future business success
Kalon Nelson discusses his course has played…
Kalon Nelson, BA (Hons) Marketing with Advertising and Digital Communications student shares his experience at LSBU.
Iconic Bakes by Olushola Bukoye
As a graduate of the School for Applied Sciences, Olushola Bukoye set up her Buks Bakes business in 2014 and was awarded a place on LSBU’s Graduate En...
Donald Dervishi discusses why he chose LSBU
MSc International Business Management with Marketing student, Donald Dervishi, talks about his postgraduate study choice, and shares how he managed to...
Alvira Khan, "my course has prepared me to en…
Alvira Khan is a final year student pursing BSc (Hons) Economics and Finance at LSBU Business School. She was drawn to LSBU after learning of its cent...
Max Smith on his life at LSBU and future goal…
Max Smith chose LSBU for its London location and work-ready course, and went on to become president of the Students' Union after graduation.
Cephas Williams, postgraduate student and soc…
Postgraduate student Cephas Williams is building his social enterprise one step at a time with help from London South Bank University's Student Enterp...
Inan Gokcek on turning his dream of running a…
Inan Gokcek studied Architecture at LSBU and, with support from our Graduate Entrepreneur Scheme, now runs a multidisciplinary design practice - Studi...
Acoustics research helps improve safety and q…
Collaborative Urban Engineering applied acoustics research project with Transport for London to develop and install a high quality system to evacuate ...
Tomas Lloyd-Williams: starting university and…
Tomas is a first-year student studying (BA) Marketing. A motivated and outgoing entrepreneur, he is keen to take every opportunity that comes his way....
Rose Jimenez Vera researches migrant women’s…
Rosa Jimenez Vera, a class of 2020 Midwifery graduate worked with Anna Lyons, Senior Lecturer in Midwifery to develop a research project looking into ...
Stephen Addison on how he turned his boxing h…
Business Administration graduate Stephen Addison turned his part-time boxing hobby into a social enterprise with help from LSBU's Student Enterprise t...
Cameron Ross, BSc (Hons) Product Design, plac…
Cameron Ross, a BSc (Hons) Product Design student, secured a role at Hallmark as a Licensing Assistant.
Frank Brake on building a billion pound busin…
Before founding a multi-million pound company, Frank Brake studied Catering Management at LSBU.
Mirce Vieira, shares her internship with LSBU…
Final year BA (Hons) Business Management with Enterprise and Entrepreneurship student, Mirce Vieira, shares her experience of studying at LSBU Busines...
Muizz Alamaroof, "I feel like success is some…
First year Journalism student, Amber Sams, caught up with Muizz Almaroof, a LSBU Civil Engineering Alumnus and co-founder of Motivez to discuss succes...
Daniel Walters' career takes an entrepreneuri…
British National Taekwondo champion Daniel Walters (BSc Hons Sport and Exercise Science, 2011) channelled his passion for the sport into coaching and ...
Dr Mark Williamson, honorary doctor of letter…
Dr Mark Williamson has been made an Honorary Doctor of Letters.
Alina Kolomiichenko on applying for a Start-u…
Mariam Katamadze, BA (Hons) Marketing with Public Relations student at LSBU Business School knew that LSBU was the right fit for her when she found ou...
Alumna Danna Walker graduate turned social en…
Danna Walker, LSBU alumna, has taken an unusual route to her current role, Director of Built By Us, a social enterprise encouraging diversity in the c...
Adel Abbess discusses his move from Algeria a…
Adel is on a sandwich course in Business Management and Marketing and is currently on a one-year placement in the international department here at Lo...
Alumnus Rotsen Ibarra on his catering busines…
LSBU gave international student Rotsen Ibarra the skills, knowledge and support to turn his passion for food into a street food business
Siddhath Vadera on his internship with Rafael…
Third year BA (Hons) Business Management student, Siddhath Vadera, shares his experience of taking an internship with Entrepreneur Rafael Dos Santos (...
Louis Christopher Franklin-Pugh discusses his…
Louis had the best experience ever at LSBU, and found all the lecturers were informative, experienced, and extremely insightful
Vanessca Cazaubon: Graduate entrepreneur
Vanessa Cazaubon studied BSc (Hons) Architectural Technology. She's since gone on to start her own business with the support of LSBU's Enterprise Cent...
MORE ACCELERATOR AND INCUBATOR OPPORTUNITIES
Accelerators and incubators offer you a chance to test your idea, network with other innovators and industry experts, gather feedback on your business, build entrepreneurial skills and knowledge, and more. Below are a few external accelerators and incubators opportunities for the LSBU students, alums, staff, and/or community members. Stay up-to-date on all opportunities by connecting on LinkedIn.
EWA Accelerator
European Women’s Association is dedicated to advancing women's economic empowerment; the EWA Accelerator helps support female entrepreneurs with skills, knowledge, and community.
Cost: Free
Benefits: The two-month intensive structure is designed to equip participants with essential skills in data rooms, financial modelling, and pitch deck creation. Through immersive experiences, personalized feedback, and live pitch rehearsals, startups emerge prepared to navigate the complexities of fundraising and secure future funding opportunities.
Eligibility:
Applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered for the program:
- Include female founders or ventures with at least two founders, one of whom is a female co-founder.
- Showcase a tech-driven startup with innovative agnostic solutions, incl. AI, Sustainability, or Blockchain.
- Possess a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and demonstrate readiness for fundraising, ranging from Seed to Round A.
- Have plans to raise capital within the next 6 to 9 months.
- Exhibit a Minimum Viable Team with relevant industry expertise.
- Advanced proficiency in the English language
- Show thoughtful preparation of initial investment documents.
Additional Support: South Bank Starters is here to help you with your application and making the best impression for this competition. Set up a 1-2-1 appointment to talk about this opportunity.
For more information, please visit https://ewaaccelerator.com/
Health Innovation Network - Accelerating Femtech
This 10-week support programme supports small / medium-sized companies (SMEs), university spinouts and academic entrepreneurs from across the UK that have early-stage innovations addressing current challenges in women’s health.
Cost: Free
Benefits: The programme will provide companies with bespoke support through expert-led workshops and mentoring while also supporting them to develop their product offering, understand the challenges in the women’s health space, grow entrepreneurship skills and engage with key stakeholders. Innovators will also prepare for a special closed call funding opportunity.
Eligibility: Applicants must be an early-stage UK small / medium-sized companies (SMEs), university spinouts, or academic entrepreneurs working to address a current challenge in women’s health.
Additional Support: South Bank Starters is here to help you with your application and making the best impression for this competition. Set up a 1-2-1 appointment to talk about this opportunity.
For more information, please visit https://healthinnovationnetwork.com/projects/accelerating-femtech/
Eagle Labs Female Founder Accelerator powered by AccelerateHer
With nine weeks of masterclasses and access to mentoring, the Female Founder Accelerator supports 100 female founders to level the playing field and support women poised for business growth.
Cost: Free
Deadline: Friday, 12 June, 2026
Benefits: Nine weeks of masterclasses covering subjects like marketing strategies, sales and negotiation, financial management and building a team. Plus, one-to-one mentoring, accountability groups, in-person community networking, and the ability to connect with a community of like-minded female founders.
Eligibility: This accelerator is designed for ventures beyond the idea stage:
- You’ve created or are close to creating your minimal viable product (MVP) (you have built a minimum viable product and are gathering user feedback to refine your offering)
- You’re ready to bring your product to market or have already
- You have ambitions to scale in the next 12 to 18 months
- You operate within key technology and innovation sectors.
For more information, please visit https://labs.uk.barclays/what-we-offer/our-programmes/female-founder-accelerator/.
Connect with South Bank Starters
South Bank Starters is here to guide, support, inspire, and motivate you. Find ways to connect with the team and your community of entrepreneurial minded individuals. You can email us at starters@lsbu.ac.uk
