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Graduate Enterprise Programme

NTU’s Graduate Enterprise Programme offers an exciting package of support to help graduates get their businesses off the ground.

What is the Graduate Enterprise Programme?

Need tools, support and networks to help you along your journey? Look no further...

Our programme is designed to help you focus on developing your skills, building your network, setting goals, getting the best from mentors, being proactive and learning about business. We tailor activities to meet your needs, giving you the tools to help you interrogate your idea, validate your business model and get started on your entrepreneurial journey.

The value of the package of support available includes expert mentoring and workshops, amounting to over £10k. We will be with you every step of the way, giving you the support you need to get started.

Here’s what you can expect from the Graduate Enterprise Programme:

  • Workshops: We offer workshops and training sessions on enterprising topics relevant to starting a business.
  • Coaching and mentoring: tap into the support of our experienced enterprise team and colleagues from across NTU’s Knowledge Exchange department.
  • Expert help: We work with a pool of industry experts and mentors. Our package of support is designed to help you develop business plans and work towards achieving your goals.
  • Access to business space: be part of a vibrant community of entrepreneurs and dynamic businesses at the Dryden Enterprise Centre (DEC) on the NTU city campus. The programme includes a free Flexi Membership of the DEC worth up to £600 a year.
  • Networking opportunities: network and collaborate with business leaders at our high-profile networking events at the DEC.
  • Collaborative projects: We can signpost you to other support across the university. You will also be offered an opportunity to participate in a strategic consultancy project with Nottingham Business School designed to help you develop and grow your business.
  • Funding: We can help you identify your funding needs and point you in the right direction. You’ll also get the chance to pitch for a grant from Santander Universities UK.

Eligibility criteria and the application process

Am I eligible to apply?

The programme is open to all NTU graduates, regardless of when you graduated. This includes international graduates who have secured a visa which permits them to start a business in the UK.

Eligibility criteria:

  • You must be in the start-up phase and need help with business planning, with evidence that you have undertaken some business activity (such as initial research/feasibility of your idea).
  • We welcome businesses from any sector except in the following categories or types: politically or religiously motivated, stocks and shares, armaments and weaponry, pornography, and gambling.
  • Applicants must attend compulsory weekly sessions (usually held on a Tuesday) in person at the DEC.

How does the application process work?

Applications for the September 2025 - July 2026 programme are now closed.

Key Dates

Applications for this programme are now closed and will re-open summer 2026.

The programme has catapulted my business to another level. With the support of NTU Enterprise I have been able to successfully develop my MVP and I’m now well on the way to building my online platform. I was awarded Innovate UK funding earlier this year – this would not have been possible without the mentoring support I have received. Being part of the DEC community provides access to real life entrepreneurs who have helped me fine-tune my business idea.

Franek Siejek, Creo

Information about applying for UK and International students.

Applications for the Graduate Enterprise Programme 2025/26 are now closed but please refer to the following pages for further information if you're planning to apply for the next intake:

UK Graduates

We will review your application and eligibility within approximately 6 weeks of your submission and will invite you to interview (or to confirm that you have been unsuccessful)

UK Graduate Enterprise Programme Application Form

International Graduates

We will review your application and eligibility after the application closing date and will invite you to interview (or to confirm that you have been unsuccessful)

International Graduate Enterprise Programme Application Form

Any questions?

Contact the NTU Enterprise team if you have any queries about the Graduate Enterprise Programme enterprise@ntu.ac.uk