Financial support and funding for start-ups and business ideas

A range of funding opportunities to help you get your idea off the ground or take it to the next level, from pitching competitions to start-up scholarships.

Summer enterprise scholarships

Do you have a great idea that could change the world?

Would you like the opportunity to engage the public in your research or on a topic that’s important to you?

Our summer enterprise scholarships allow you to do just that. Divided into two strands, the Start-up Scholarship and the Impact and Innovation Scholarship, you can use your summer to transform a business idea into reality. You’ll receive £1,000 alongside mentoring to help bring your ideas to life, and access to a city centre retail unit to test trade and engage with the public.

"Being involved in the scholarship programme has been amazing. Totally life changing. I was well out of my comfort zone with almost 100% of it, but it’s been wonderful to feel so supported and nurtured."

UWE Bristol student, Start-up Scholarship

UWE Bristol student Start-up Scholarship

Venture Ready Award

We hold an annual Venture Ready Award pitching event, in partnership with Santander Universities, to support the growth of existing student businesses or social enterprise. Up to ten of the best ideas are chosen to be pitched in front of a panel of judges, with the chance of winning up to £5,000.

Student Ventures Spark

Do you have a great idea that you want to get off the ground? Our new funding competition, Student Ventures Sparks, offers you the opportunity to share you ideas with the public, gain feedback, crowdsource support, and secure funding of between £100 and £650.