Business start-ups

Thinking about starting a business or freelancing? Need help shaping your business idea?

Our Solent Start-Ups team provides current students and recent graduates with
one-to-one support, workshops, and funding* to help you launch or grow your venture.

No matter what stage you're at in your thinking, whether just exploring ideas or ready to launch, we’re ready to support you.

*Subject to T&Cs

Contact the Solent Start-Ups team for an informal chat - startups@solent.ac.uk or drop in and see us in JM109 (in Solent Creatives, the Spark).

One-to-one business support

Do you have a business idea but would like some help shaping that idea and what you need to do? Are you already running a business but need some help and advice? Book in for a one-to-one guidance session with our independent business adviser.

Appointments are available virtually and on campus on a Wednesday.
Please email startups@solent.ac.uk to book.

Funding to kickstart your business or freelance career

Have a great idea for a business or want to start freelancing, but short on funds to get started? Then join the Solent Start-Ups Accelerator and get the support and funding to make it happen! Current students and recent graduates (within the past year) could receive a grant* to kickstart your idea. Since it’s a grant, you won’t need to repay it - it’s all yours.

*Subject to T&Cs

Click here for more info.

Information for international students

If you’re on a student visa, you can join our workshops and events, but you won’t be able to apply for funding or prizes. If you’re on a student visa, you can’t be self-employed or run a business in the UK. This also means you can’t set up a company, hold 10% or more of shares in one, or take on roles like director in the UK.

Please email startups@solent.ac.uk for more information.