Business Start Up Scheme
The Business Start Up Scheme was launched in 2005 with the aim of encouraging and supporting aspiring entrepreneurs among students, staff and recent graduates
Following a recent revision of the Scheme, it is now open to final-year students only.
Having been given a flying start through the Scheme, some award holders found themselves winning awards in the 2007 and 2008 Winchester Business Excellence Awards! Photo: Jenny Rooney and Sarah Hughes from Platform School of Dance with their 2007 Startup Award.
Previous successful applications have included such a diverse array as street theatre, drama for schools, picture framing,concierge services, citizen journalism, sound production, voice coaching and singing lessons and specialist services for cyclists. Visit our Award Holders page to find out more about inidividual businesses, or read our enterprise blog.
Information for businesses
The Business Start Up Scheme is a two-stage competition open to all final-year students at the University of Winchester. The aim is to encourage students to develop a viable business idea and support them in pursuing self-employment as a graduate option.
Business categories include:
- Media production
- Creative enterprise
- Social enterprise
- Innovation
- Education services
The first stage involves a short application form outlining the business idea, while the second stage requires a more detailed business proposal and a video pitch. The application deadlines for the next round are:
- Stage 1: 22 February 1012
- Stage 2: 7 May 2012
Business workshops will be offered to students after Stage 1 to support them in preparing their applications for Stage 2. Shortlisted applicants will be invited for a short Q&A session with the judges prior to a final decision. Prize packages in each category will include a small cash award, mentoring and a networking group subscription.
The Business Start Up Scheme could not succeed without the help of the local business community. Your business acumen and expertise are vital to the success of the Scheme. Whether you participate as a member of the panel that judges the applications, as a mentor, a sponsor or as a provider of a workshop on a specific aspect, such as marketing, legal aspects or market research, we warmly welcome your involvement.