Got a big idea for a better world? Or curious about learning new skills and exploring venture creation? We can help you get started with one-to-one support, startup workshops, and funding opportunities.

What is entrepreneurship?

Entrepreneurship is the process of setting up a business. It can also mean becoming a freelancer or developing a social enterprise.

Employers also look for employees with entrepreneurial skills! Entrepreneurial employees are known as intrapreneurs and are responsible for innovating within existing organisations. Intrapreneurs are highly valued by their employers.

Whether you are starting out on your own or want to develop your skillset, the entrepreneurship programme at Sussex is for everyone.

How can we support you

We can support you from the early stages of developing an idea for a business or social enterprise, all the way through to launching and scaling your venture.

We also provide workshops and services for those who simply want to gain skills that employers look for, like problem-solving, team-work, creative thinking and pitching ideas.

You can book a one-to-one appointment with a member of the Entrepreneurship team to meet online or face-to-face.

In your one-to-one you can:

  • discuss ideas, plan next steps and learn how to develop a business
  • get specialist advice on everything from funding and finance to marketing and intellectual property protection
  • access mentors and experienced founders who can help you grow
  • receive coaching and feedback to keep you on target and on point
  • learn about other opportunities available through the university network.

Book an appointment

Other support available

You can also: 

  • attend regular workshops and events featuring expert speakers and alumni founders, and meetups for freelancers and social entrepreneurs to meet like-minded students
  • sign up to our weekly newsletter to stay updated on what’s coming up and new opportunities
  • access the Entrepreneurship Canvas site, which includes recordings from some of workshops, short courses and useful resources
  • join Sussex Connect which is a good place to network, find others to collaborate with and seek advice from former students who are working in industry.

Important: If you are an international student you cannot engage in business activity while on a student visa. You can still talk to us for advice about your ideas and participate in workshops and some competitions. Find out more about what you can do after graduation in the UK.

Funding opportunities

There are a number of funding initiatives at Sussex to help you launch and grow your business or social enterprise. As well as our flagship Startup Sussex competition, there are additional grants, contests and an accelerator for existing businesses.

Find out more about funding for your business or social enterprise idea.

Freelancing

Freelancing is a type of self-employment, whereby you work for yourself to provide a service or product to clients. It offers the flexibility to be able to set your own schedule, agree deadlines with clients  and plan your work to be able to deliver on time.

Find out more about becoming a freelancer.

Stories and inspiration

Listen to our entrepreneurship podcast, read our start-up blog and hear from students who have successfully launched businesses.