STUDENT STARTUP SUPPORT

Turning ideas into action

How the Student StartUp Team can support you

Our student entrepreneurs are collaborative, innovative and ambitious forward thinkers.

If you're looking to develop entrepreneurial skills, get startup advice or build a business, there's not better place to do it than in the UK's most entrepreneurial city 2020 (Instant Offices). And we'll help you while you're at university and up to 5 years after you graduate.

We're here to help you get your idea off the ground or take your existing startup to the next level. We offer expert advice, workshops, co-working space, networking opportunities and lots of useful resources. We’re here to help at no cost to you and no loss of ownership; your idea is your idea.

We'll support you to create the next big thing, help others, or support yourself.

    Getting started

    If you already have an idea your first step is to discuss it with the team.  We run weekly bookable appointments which can take place face to face or by video chat. To speak to a member of the team you can book an ‘Enterprise Advice’ slot on the appointment tab of MyCareer.

    If you can't make the times on MyCareer, you can email us at studentstartup@port.ac.uk to make alternative arrangements.

    Enterprise clinics

    Wednesday 2.00pm-4.00pm

    Friday 9.30am-11.30am

    In person or video chat

    Book an Enterprise appointment on MyCareer

    Alternatively email studentstartup@port.ac.uk

    Self-employment placements

    You can take on a self-employed placement year (SEP) on most of our undergraduate courses. You'll do your placement between your second and third years of study, replacing the traditional placement year in industry with starting and running a business of your own. Your placement will support and develop your enterprise skills while you start and run your business or social enterprise.

    Find out more about your self-employment placement options by visiting our enterprise clinic. Your Faculty's placement office can also give you advice, support and information on doing a self-employed placement year.

    More about our startup services

    Events and opportunities

    Explore our workshops to develop your startup idea and take part in Route to Startup, Development, or Social Startup events.
    CES-0319-Enterprise Showcase
    Read more

    Events

    Discover the upcoming events in our calendar – from public lectures, performances and exhibitions, to conferences, seminars and open days.
    PFC Colby Bishop Reshoot
    View upcoming events

    Entrepreneurs in Residence

    Meet our entrepreneurs and find out what support and business start-up advice they offer our students, alumni and staff to launch or grow their businesses.
    female in a research meeting taking notes with pen and paper
    Read more

    Startup Resources

    Explore our startup advice and guidance. Use these resources to develop and build your startup idea from a concept into a functional business.

    Smiling male student hold glasses in front of orange wall
    Find out more

    Startup Visas for international students

    Explore how to set up your business in the UK as an international student, and find out how we can support you

    Two students at a seminar desk
    Read more

    Meet our startups

    Meet some of our entrepreneurs and explore the businesses, ideas and successes. 

    Enterprise showcase product design business
    Read more

    The Enterprise Programme

    It's education, but not as we know it

    The Enterprise Programme will provide you with the skills, confidence and competencies to help you become a more enterprising individual that knows how to make things happen.

    Whether your goal is to develop an enterprising mindset and skills, think in a more entrepreneurial way, become self-employed, be the boss, or start a social movement, this programme will help you to start that journey.

     

    Interested in getting involved?

    Sessions will be practical, engaging and nothing like the classroom. On the journey you’ll be engaging with real people, successful entrepreneurs and university staff all passionate and eager to help you become an enterprise success. You’ll also get involved in:

    • practical training and experience around telling the story of your ideas

    • learn how to collaborate, develop resilience and how to get started

    • engage in peer sessions

     

    When does it start?

    The course starts on Wednesday 25th January 2023. You can choose to attend in person (Wednesday afternoons) or online (Tuesday afternoons).

     

    For more information and to register visit the Enterprise Programme website.

     

    Accelerating Women's Enterprise

    Accelerating Women's Enterprise (AWE) is a project that combines research with training and mentoring for female entrepreneurs. You can join it if you have a business idea or have already set up your business. 

    The project aims to address the gender gap in entrepreneurship by helping women overcome the barriers they face when starting and growing businesses, such as age or social background, caring responsibilities, and a lack of relatable role models. 

      Register your interest in training or in being matched with a mentor. Find out more about AWE.

      Innovation Connect