Student StartUp support

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.

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

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