LEN: Enterprise Funding

Loughborough Enterprise Network (LEN) offers exciting funding opportunities to support entrepreneurial students and graduates in developing their skills and advancing their business ideas. Through two distinct funding programs: the SKILL-UP Fund and the START-UP Fund, LEN provides tailored support for different stages of the entrepreneurial journey.

Funding you can apply for

SKILL-UP Fund

The SKILL-UP Fund offers £250 to help individuals enhance their entrepreneurial abilities or pilot new business concepts.

START-UP Fund

For those ready to take their ventures further, the START-UP Fund provides up to £5,000 to validate and progress their businesses.

Both funds require an application process and detailed terms and conditions apply. Stay informed about funding opening dates via the What's On page.

Terms and Conditions

SKILL-UP FUND

  • We welcome applications from international students
  • We welcome applications from Loughborough University Graduates within one year of graduation, from course end date.

START-UP FUND

  • We welcome applications from Loughborough University graduates within two years of graduation, from course end date.
  • Unfortunately due to visa restrictions, we are unable to support applications from international students. We are in the process of exploring alternative options.

Loughborough Enterprise Network will not support businesses or ideas that are related to any of the following:

  • Alcohol
  • Drugs (this includes any business or idea connected to tobacco, vaping, CBD oils etc.)
  • Pornography
  • Political or religious agendas
  • Gambling
  • Illegal or unregulated activity (such as cryptocurrencies)
  • Property
  • Finance or trading (e.g. any ideas that would need approval from the Financial Conduct Authority)
  • Dating applications

Other considerations to note:

  • Funding cannot be used for reoccurring costs, such as, stock, renting fees etc.
  • Fund requests for laptops, MacBooks, Ipads etc. must be supported with demonstrated/predicted business impact
  • Funding cannot be used for personal living costs, including travel, accommodation and wages
  • Funding cannot be used to backdate any previous payments

Please note: these lists are not exhaustive and will be reviewed and added to on a case-by-case basis.

Should you have any queries, please email LEN@lboro.ac.uk.