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.