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Start Up

Are you an NTU student or graduate with an innovative idea and a passion for business?

Start Up is a dedicated programme of support designed to help you turn your business idea into reality! We offer a series of workshops and mentoring with our team of expert advisors and facilitators, as well as access to a vibrant community at the Dryden Enterprise Centre.

Here's where your start up journey begins!

Got a business idea you want to explore? Thinking about freelancing or running a side hustle? If you’re in the pre-start or early stage of your business, Start Up is here to support you on your entrepreneurial journey.

Open to NTU students and graduates, the programme is designed to flex around your work and studies. We help you lay the foundations, giving you the tools and support to help you build a business your own way.

The programme runs for 6 weeks from September – November, followed by additional workshops and mentoring in Phase 2, commencing January – May.

We’ll help you get to grips with the basics – business modelling, legal essentials, marketing, funding... and above all, how to shift your mindset from thinking to doing! You’ll develop practical skills that help you to build your confidence and take the next steps.

What you can expect

  • Core business workshops: guiding you through the ideation phase. Workshops on marketing, testing and validating, finance and funding, marketing and legal essentials.
  • Expert guidance and mentoring: ongoing support from experienced advisors and expert mentors.
  • Ideas into action: develop entrepreneurial skills and competencies through real life application of your business idea.
  • Networking and events: connect with like-minded peers, entrepreneurs and businesses at NTU’s Dryden Enterprise Centre (DEC).
  • Support with funding: develop a realistic plan to help you identify your finance and funding options.
  • Access to space: free flexible membership at the Dryden Enterprise Centre while you’re on the programme.
  • Self-directed learning: practical tools to take away and apply to your own business.

Come and explore your business with us. This is your time and your future – we can help you shape your idea into something real!

Find out when to apply and if you're eligible for support

How to apply

Applications for our 2026-2027 programme are now open.

The next Start Up programme runs from 29 September until 03 November 2026. There are additional workshops in Phase 2 commencing January – May 2027.

To apply for a place in September 2026 you must:

  1. Read the FAQs here
  2. Submit your application form for Start Up Programme 2026/27 here.

We’ll email you to let you know if you have a place on the programme. Full details and a timetable will be sent to you when you’re offered a place. The deadline to apply for Start Up is 5pm on Monday 25 August 2026

Join the programme now, to start your entrepreneurial journey with us!

Eligibility

  • The programme is open to Nottingham Trent University students and graduates (UK home students only, aged 18+).
  • All applicants must have a business idea and be in the start-up phase of their business journey.
  • All applicants must be able to travel to Nottingham to attend the programme in person.
  • International students with student visa status are not eligible to apply for the programme and cannot take part. Student visa holders are prohibited from engaging in business activity while in the UK studying for an undergraduate or postgraduate degree.
  • International graduates of NTU who have a visa which allows them to live and work in the UK can apply. This includes: Graduate Visa, Skilled Worker visa, Innovator Founder visa, Sponsorship, Family Visa, Global Talent visa, Temporary Work visa. More information for international students and graduates can be found here.

If you have any queries about Start Up, please email enterprise@ntu.ac.uk

Stay connected with us

More about Student Enterprise

Graduate Enterprise Programme

The Graduate Enterprise Programme at NTU provides you with the tools and support you need to build a successful business that you love.

Information for international entrepreneurs – working on a business in the UK during and after your studies

Are you an international student looking to start a new business within the UK? The Innovator Founder Visa allows non-UK residents to start up and run their own business for an additional three years after graduating from university.

NTU Entrepreneurs Club

Do you want to build your business knowledge while making friends with fellow future entrepreneurs. Join us at the NTU Entrepreneurs Club.