The BETA Enterprise Programme aims to improve students’ entrepreneurial abilities by providing a comprehensive programme of support for their business ideas. The programme provides free pre start-up and start-up support for students at Plymouth University via the Futures Entrepreneurship Centre.
Aims
The BETA Enterprise Programme gives current students the opportunity to improve their enterprise and entrepreneurial skills through the development of a business idea in a supportive environment alongside their course studies. BETA Enterprise provides students with a clear programme of support to help them grow and develop their business idea from formation to creation providing mentoring from a variety of business experts along the way. The program acts as an integral part of their University experience and parallels the opportunities that exist within work-based placements. Students receive training in the form of interactive workshops, guest lectures, networking events and access to a variety of internal and external resources to give them the best chance of generating an income from their experimental business.
Application process
To join the programme and access the support available you need to request an application form from Amber Strong. Once the application has been reviewed and your idea is appropriate then you will be invited to an induction meeting with the Futures team to discuss the next steps.
Eligibility
Due to the restrictions on student visas, applicants seeking funding through the BETA Enterprise programme must be UK citizens. Tier 4 visa holders do not qualify for this fund as their visa conditions state they cannot receive public funds. Funding is dependent on: individual support from the student’s faculty, the student passing all their modules and the student abiding by University obligations i.e. all payment of university fees are up to date. You must be a full-time or part-time, undergraduate or postgraduate student of Plymouth University. If you do not meet this criteria please take advantage of other support offered through the University.
What is provided on the programme?
One-to-one mentoring and support
You will be provided with a business mentor who will support and guide you in the development of your business idea. This mentor may be a University expert, an entrepreneur or a member of the Plymouth business community.
Fortnightly meetings between you and your mentor are highly recommended, where you will agree outcomes, develop action plans and agree to take these points forward.
Workshops
You will be signed up to a comprehensive programme of workshops, guest lectures and networking events which can help turn your business idea into a viable trading entity. These events will run from November till June each academic year.
Pitching and funding
Once you have developed your business idea then you will pitch to a panel for the chance to receive funding of up to £1,500 for your business idea. The panel will provide feedback on your business idea and provide recommendations on what further support you and your business idea should take from the programme. They will also either agree or decline your funding bid.
The funding can be used to purchase: materials and products needed for your business, incubation space, training and professional courses, insurance, legal fees, registration of the business.
The funding cannot be used for: payment for your own time.
The BETA Enterprise programme runs from October to June each academic year.