Skip to main content Skip to navigation

Start-up Programme Application Information

Start-up Programme Application Information


Eligibility

To apply, you must be:

  • University of Warwick student or graduate
  • Motivated to attend monthly coaching sessions and workshops
  • Determined to start and grow a business in the UK and be able to run your business from the UK
  • Applying as an individual or a team with a maximum of five co-founders or members

Criteria:

Applications are assessed against three areas:

  • Viability:Is there enough evidence in the Business Plan and Financial Forecast to prove that this business idea has the potential to generate revenue.
  • Scalability:Is there enough evidence in the Business Plan and Financial Forecast which presents the growth potential of the business.
  • Innovation:What evidence is presented in the Business Plan that demonstrates how this business is differentiating itself in the market.

Application Process and Key Dates

Stage 1: Application submission

Submit your completed online application before the deadline.

Applications open:1 July 2025, 12.00pm BST

Applications close:31 July 2025, 12.00pm BST

Important: Late applications will not be accepted. If you miss the deadline, you must wait until the next intake.

Stage 2: Shortlisting

Warwick Enterprise will review all applications against the published selection criteria and shortlist applications between 1 – 14 August 2025.

All applicants will be notified by email of the outcome of their application, whether they have been shortlisted, during the week of 18 August 2025.

Stage 3: Pitch-to-panel

Shortlisted applicants will attend a pitch-to-panel session during the week of 25 August 2025, where you will present your idea and answer questions from our selection panel.

Important: As there is a short turnaround between shortlisting and your Pitch-to-Panel session, please keep an eye on your email after applying, and make sure you’re free during the Pitch-to-Panel week.

All shortlisted candidates will be notified of the outcome during the week of 1 September 2025.

Stage 4: Programme Onboarding and Delivery

Onboarding: week of 15 September 2025 

Duration: 12 months 

Please note: For comprehensive information about the programme structure, please download the Start-up Programme HandbookLink opens in a new window.

What you'll need to submit

To apply, you will need to fill in the application form where you will be asked to provide:

  • Business Plan
  • Financial Forecast
  • Shared link of a three-minute pitch-video

Application form will only open during each application window listed in the 'key dates' section.

  Important: We will only proceed with the applications using our templates:

Need further support?

If you have any further questions or you are experiencing any difficulties applying for the Start-up Programme, please utilise our Info Session, FAQs or contact us.

Join our Information Session

Visit our FAQs

Make an enquiry

Let us know you agree to cookies