Young Enterprise: Start-Up Programme
This programme offers a hands-on introduction to enterprise and entrepreneurship, designed for students of all backgrounds – even those with no prior experience. Complete the full programme to receive £100 in funding.
Across a series of interactive workshops, you’ll explore what it means to start a business or social enterprise, develop creative ideas, and learn practical tools like the Value Proposition Canvas and Sustainable Business Model Canvas. Each session builds your confidence and equips you with the skills to turn an idea into a viable concept.
You’ll work collaboratively in teams, engaging in activities that spark creativity, strengthen communication, and encourage problem-solving. From generating innovative ideas to mapping out your business model and understanding start-up finances, every workshop is designed to be practical and engaging. You’ll also receive expert advice from business advisors and entrepreneurs, giving you real-world insights into what makes a successful venture.
By the end of the programme, you’ll have developed a clear business concept, a strong value proposition, and a sustainable model that reflects social and environmental responsibility. You’ll also gain branding and pitching skills to confidently present your idea. For those who choose, the journey culminates in a trade stand event—an opportunity to showcase your work, network with professionals, and build social capital. This experience is highly relevant for developing transferable skills such as teamwork, creativity, and strategic thinking, which are valued by employers across all sectors.
Associated Badges:
In A Nutshell...
- Collaborate... with students across the university
- Upskill... in a start-up programme
- Meet... industry experts who will guide you and your ideas
- Build... your career confidence and understanding of entrepreneurship
- Access... funding for completing an extended programme
- Earn up to 250 Rise points ... which can be recognised within your degree.
Schedule
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17:00 to 20:00 on 12/02/26 - Benzie Building, 4th Floor LW 403
Young Enterprise Introduction Discover what Young Enterprise is all about, whether you choose a social enterprise or traditional business, while exploring the journey ahead and feeling confident stepping into the start-up world. -
17:30 to 20:00 on 19/02/26 - Benzie Building 4th Floor LW 403
Team Building Connect with your group through an energetic team-building session that boosts collaboration, communication, and confidence as you begin your entrepreneurial journey together. -
17:30 to 20:00 on 26/02/26 - Benzie Building 4th Floor LW 403
Ideas Generation Dive into a dynamic ideas workshop where blue-sky thinking, creative tools, and shared perspectives spark bold concepts that solve real problems and seize fresh opportunities. -
17:30 to 20:00 on 05/03/26 - Benzie Building 4th Floor LW 403
Value Proposition Canvas Bring your idea to life by creating a Value Proposition Canvas that uncovers customer pains, and highlights their gains. Followed by meet the business advisors and entrepreneurs session where you get expert insights into your business offering. -
17:30 to 20:00 on 12/03/26 - Business School BS 403
Sustainable Business Model Canvas Map out your vision using the Sustainable Business Model Canvas, showing how your idea creates value while staying -
17:30 to 20:00 on 19/03/26 - Benzie Building 4th Floor LW 403
Start-up Finances Explore the essentials of start-up finance in a clear, approachable workshop covering budgeting, pricing, and smart money habits for early ventures. -
17:30 to 20:00 on 26/03/26 - Business School BS 403
Business Strategy Game Imagine your business or social enterprise three years from now as you explore future pathways using the engaging XING strategy tool. Followed by meet the business advisors and entrepreneurs session to get expert insights into your business offering. -
17:30 to 20:00 on 23/04/26 - Benzie Building 4th Floor LW 403
Branding Your Business Build a compelling brand by developing your business’s identity, message, and visual style in an inspiring, hands-on branding session. Practical tips on visual merchandising, creating engaging displays, and delivering a confident and memorable pitch. -
17:30 to 20:00 on 27/04/26 - Business School Atrium
Trade Stand (Voluntary) Showcase your business, trade, make new connections, and build social capital. Supported by a range of business professionals and entrepreneurs.