Got a business idea, side hustle or freelance venture you want to take further? Founders Fund could give you the boost you need to get started, register, upskill, or scale.
Whether you’re still testing an idea, getting your first customers or already building and growing, this is your opportunity to pitch your plans and access funding to help make them happen.
Book a pitch time and tell us what you’re working on. You’ll have the chance to share your idea, explain what you want to achieve and show how funding could help you take the next step. You don’t need to have everything figured out – just a clear idea of what you want to do and how the funding could impact your entrepreneurial journey moving forward.
What could you make happen?
Use the funding to turn your ideas into action:
- Test your idea – Research your market, try out your concept, create a prototype or find out if people want what you’re offering.
- Launch your venture – Get the tools, resources or support you need to turn your idea into a real business or freelance opportunity.
- Grow what you’ve started – Improve your product or service, reach new customers, build your brand or explore new opportunities.
- Invest in yourself – Fund training, qualifications or other development that helps you build the skills and confidence to take your venture further.
- Cover essential costs – From insurance and research to marketing materials and other practical costs, use the funding where it can make the biggest difference.
Your idea could be the start of something bigger. Book your pitch, tell us what you’re building and see where it could take you.
Important dates
The Founders Fund opens for applications each semester, offering a new opportunity for aspiring founders and freelancers to apply for funding to support thier entrepreneurial journey.
After each application period closes, all applicants will receive their outcome, and those selected will be invited to pitch – to showcase their vision and present how the funding will impact their enterprise venture.
See below for the upcoming dates of Founders Fund.
Semester 2
Monday 12th January: Applications open
Sunday 8th March: Applications close
Monday 16th March: Application outcomes and pitch day invitations sent
Semester 3
Monday 13th April: Applications Open
Sunday 7th June: Applications Close
Monday 15th June: Application outcomes and pitch day invitations sent
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for a spot grant, you must meet the following criteria:
Student Status: You must be a University student or graduate of up to 3 years. Only HOME students are considered for this award due to Visa implications that limit International students starting a business in the UK.
Business Idea: Your business idea must be innovative, achievable, market focussed and financially viable.
Intended use: The grant must be used for a specific purpose related to your business, such as product development, marketing, for certification or prototype creation.
Applicants can apply for a grant until they are successfully awarded. Once awarded, applicants cannot apply again until the following academic year.