Applications for the Autumn 2025 funding window have now closed!

The Student Enterprise Fund is due to re-open in Spring 2026. 

Starting your own business is exciting, but also incredibly challenging. Access to financial resources can present a huge bottleneck to getting started or growing your venture. Whether you have a brand-new idea, an early-stage business, or strong customer traction, the Student Enterprise Fund could award you between £500 to £5,000 in prize funding to take it forward and make it a reality! 

The Student Enterprise Fund has a number of funding pathways designed to support a broad range of early-stage start-ups, small business, social enterprises and freelancers.

Further details on the different funding pathways will be published here by the end of February 2026. Student Enterprise Fund Pathways will open for application by the end of March and will close early May 2026. 

To discuss your eligibility for funding or get feedback on an application, book a 1:1 Student Enterprise Appointment with a member of the Student Enterprise team.

If you have further questions at this stage, you can also email the Student Enterprise Team [email protected]

ELIGIBILITY

*Please note that Student Enterprise Funding is only available to individuals who are legally eligible to start a business in the UK*

International students with Student Visa immigration permission are not permitted to engage in business activity in the UK whilst they are studying on a Student Visa and are therefore NOT eligible for this funding.

For guidance on what you can and cannot do on a general Student Visa please visit the government website: Student visa : Overview – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Student Enterprise Funding is available to undergraduate, postgraduate taught, and postgraduate research students and recent graduates (up to 36 months post-graduation, depending on the pathway and stage of business).

Students can apply as individuals, a partnership or group. If applying as a partnership or group, please complete a single application and assign a lead applicant.

Students who have previously received funding from the Student Enterprise Fund pathways are eligible to apply to future rounds for additional funding.  Students must provide evidence of successful spend, impact of the previous funding awarded and must demonstrate realistic projections based on the further funding required.