Scheme aims to help students launch into business

University students and graduates in the East Midlands can boost their entrepreneurial skills thanks to a new £3 million initiative that aims to help them launch their own business.

 

The project called Enterprise Inc is funded by a partnership of nine universities from the East Midlands region, the European Regional Development Fund and the East Midlands Development Agency (emda). It will be delivered in Northampton by the University of Northampton.

 

The scheme offers a structured programme of business advice, training, mentoring and support for students or past graduates who opt for self employment. Uniquely, it provides them with a significant bursary of up to £2,500 for the year duration of the programme.

 

Mike Carr, emda Executive Director of Business Services, said:

 

"emda are pleased to support this important project in partnership with the region's universities, Enterprise Inc will make a significant contribution to new business start up rates in the East Midlands over the next three years. It will open up a new career option for many undergraduates, which will boost regional prosperity as these new businesses grow and are nurtured with help from the regional business support network."

 

The University of Northampton actively encourages entrepreneurship, offering a Foundation Degree in Enterprise (Business Development) and operating the Business Link Start Up service and Enterprise Club, where would-be entrepreneurs receive help and support in starting their own businesses.

 

Sharon Irwin, Manager of the University of Northampton's Enterprise Club said:

 

"This exciting new scheme enables us to provide even more support to graduates who want to start their new business in the county."