Loughborough Enterprise Network

31/05/2024

Congratulations to our shortlisted nominees for Start-Up Award at this year's LEN Celebration Evening on 5th June!
With thanks to The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity https://www.stwcharity.co.uk/ for joining and supporting us in celebrating the achievements of the founders and friends of LEN. Thank you also to Santander Universities for providing long term support for student founders through LEN.
Our nominees for this award are actively developing or running a business, testing and validating their business whilst developing themselves personally and professionally, they are:
ROBERT MCKINNA – INCLUS – Creating accessible, equitable, and inclusively designed products for all.

HENRY BROGAN – BidScript AI – Empowering businesses with AI-driven tender automation to accelerate growth.

KATE HOOD – BAMSYBOO – Creating innovative sustainable activewear.

OWEN JONES – ENGIGREENING SOLUTIONS – Maximising the potential of compostable plastics through innovative end-of-life management systems.

If you’re involved with LEN and would like to celebrate with us; please contact us at [email protected]

28/05/2024

Join us for a special Loughborough Enterprise Network (LEN) Celebration Evening, on Wed 5 June!

LEN is sharing exclusive invites to founders and friends who are part of our network to join us in celebrating successes with fellow Loughborough founders and supporters over a drinks reception and light buffet.

Please visit - https://www.lboro.ac.uk/students/len/whats-on/eventsactivities2023-24/celebration-evening/ to fill out a short booking form.

If you’re involved with LEN and would like to celebrate with us; please contact us over LinkedIn or email [email protected]

Joined by VC Prof. Nick Jennings and PVC Education & Student Experience, Prof. Rachel Thomson we will be recognising student, graduate, staff and other founders who have been doing amazing things as part of the LEN community.

Thank you to our local supporter and partner, The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity Charity, for making this event possible! STWLC provides personal loans for new businesses, businesses needing investment and for the study of postgraduate education. Anyone wishing to find out more information about the Charity, established in 1542, can visit www.stwcharity.co.uk

We look forward to seeing you on 5th June and thanks for being a part of our great community!

13/05/2024

START-UP Programme: Business Validation - Market Research

📅Wednesday 15th May 2024

🕑6 - 7.30pm

🏢 Start-Up Lab (2.01), STEMLab

Dive deep into the heart of entrepreneurship with Week 2 of the START-UP Programme!

Join us for an exhilarating exploration of Business Validation and Market Research, where you'll learn the art of deciphering market trends, understanding customer needs, and validating your business idea for success.



Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned business enthusiast, this week's session promises to arm you with the knowledge and tools necessary to validate your business concept and pave the way for future growth.

Sign up here:

Start-Up Lab (2.01), STEMLab , 15 May 2024, 6 - 7.30pm

07/05/2024

Free to attend lecture: What’s the future of globalisation and free trade? – Insights from the semi-conductor industry

"From western driven globalisation and free trade to a western drift to protectionism and fear of the growing eastern powers. Is world trade derisking or decoupling and the potential impact on businesses and economic growth. One view of the impact on the semi-conductor business as an example."

Loughborough Business School is honoured to welcome alumnus Sir Peter Bonfield to give a lecture to staff and students.

Sir Peter Bonfield is a leading international business executive with extensive experience in the fields of electronics, computers and communications. Sir Peter has been involved with a diverse portfolio of companies operating at main board level in the USA, Europe and the Far East. Change management in international technology companies has characterised his work.

Free to attend, open to all.

🏢Where: Loughborough University Campus, CC012, James France Building

🕑When: 9 May 2024, 5.30pm refreshments, 6pm lecture

👉How: https://forms.office.com/e/rM2KLwWVwv

02/05/2024

⏰Starting soon - don't miss out!

Starting from Wednesday, May 8th, 2024, this dynamic 4-week journey will equip you with the essential skills and knowledge needed to elevate your Start-Up venture.

When? Starting from Wednesday 8th May 2024

6pm to 7:30pm

In Person - Start-up Lab in STEMLab 2.01



Delve into crucial topics such as Goal Setting, Mindset development, Market research, Networking strategies, Business registration, Intellectual Property, Finance options, and more!



Participants will also gain access to exclusive mentoring sessions and hear from esteemed industry experts, including LEN Legends, who have navigated the entrepreneurial landscape with great success.



Spaces are limited, so ensure to sign-up now to secure your spot!

👉https://www.lboro.ac.uk/students/len/whats-on/eventsactivities2023-24/start-up-programme/

19/04/2024

🕑The countdown is on – less than a month to go!

Elevate your entrepreneurial journey with a day dedicated to Empowering Women Entrepreneurs.
This conference is a celebration of innovation, resilience, and the transformative power of female leadership.

Network throughout the day and explore the incredible talent within the Loughborough Enterprise Network.

Interested? Want to find out more?
👉 Secure your place: https://lnkd.in/eTUrrpjP

The where and when:
📍Loughborough University Stadium
📅Saturday 18th May, 10am – 4pm

16/04/2024

🎯Goal Setting and your mindset – are these areas where you would like to improve?

Week 1 of our upcoming Start-Up Programme tackles these areas where we’ll discover how to set clear, achievable objectives that propel your business forward, while also honing the mindset necessary to overcome challenges and seize opportunities.


Join us!

📅Wednesday 8th May, 6-7.30pm

📍Loughborough Campus, STEMLab, Start-Up Lab (2.01)

👉 https://www.lboro.ac.uk/students/len/whats-on/eventsactivities2023-24/start-up-programme-1/

11/04/2024

💡Are you looking to up-skill yourself or test out a business idea?

Then the Skill-Up Fund could be for you!

Apply for up to £250 to grow your personal skillset or develop a potential business idea by submitting a 3 minute video pitch.

📅Closing date: 31st May 2024

👉Find out more and apply here: https://www.lboro.ac.uk/students/len/whats-on/eventsactivities2023-24/skill-up-fund/

10/04/2024

Connect with like-minded individuals, exchange ideas, and gain insights from successful women who have conquered challenges in the entrepreneurial world.

👋Come and join us at our upcoming Women in Enterprise Conference!

Network throughout the day, enjoy thought-provoking discussions and explore the incredible talent within the Loughborough Enterprise Network.

📅Date: Saturday, Sat 18th May Time: 10 am – 4 pm

📍Location: Loughborough University Stadium

Find out more and book your place: https://www.lboro.ac.uk/students/len/whats-on/eventsactivities2023-24/womeninenterprise-conference/

03/04/2024

Skill-Up Fund is open to apply!

£250 Grant to SKILL-UP your business idea or invest in personal development.

The Skill-Up Fund aims to provide free financial support to students looking to enhance their skills for the purpose of running their own business.

The fund can be used for personal development, skill acquisition, or business development activities!

How to apply?

Applicants must complete the official application form provided by the Loughborough Enterprise Network and a 3 minute Video Pitch.

📅Closing date: 31st May 2024

👉Apply here and find out more: https://www.lboro.ac.uk/students/len/whats-on/eventsactivities2023-24/skill-up-fund/

28/03/2024

𝐖𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐤𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐮𝐩 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐋𝐄𝐍 𝐧𝐞𝐰𝐬?

Sign up to our monthly newsletter to never miss our upcoming opportunities - next one coming out soon!

📢Subscribe:

Loughborough Enterprise Network Email Forms

27/03/2024

Start-Up Fund - last chance to apply!

📅Closing date: Sunday 31st March
✅Designed to support your business ventures – including existing businesses/developed ideas and/or new ideas
✅The Start-up Fund (SUF) is grant
✅Receive up to £5,000 – must include funding ask as part of application process
✅The SUF is a real funding process/opportunity – feedback provided throughout

Find out more and apply: https://www.lboro.ac.uk/students/len/whats-on/eventsactivities2023-24/start-upfund2024/

26/03/2024

Unlock the door to academic excellence!

The Brighter Futures Grants are back exclusively for Loughborough students. We and our long-term partner Santander Universities are committed to empowering all students to achieve their goals. Our Brighter Futures Grants programme is designed to ensure that financial barriers are less of a challenge and do not hinder your academic ambitions.

We’ll be giving away £1000 to 10 of our students. Spend the funds on rent, bills, study resources or anything else that will help create an environment where you can focus on your studies.

To enter follow these 4 simple steps:

1.) If you haven’t already, register for Santander Open Academy- a free online learning platform

2.) Follow the verification link in your confirmation email

3.) Log in and choose ‘Get Started’ to complete your entry into the Brighter Futures Grants programme. From the menu you need to select Loughborough University.

4.) Get your entries in by 11pm on 29 March.

All of our students are eligible to enter, including undergraduates, postgraduates, part-time and full-time students. You don’t need to bank with Santander to get involved. Spread the word, share with your friends, coursemates and housemates.

25/03/2024

𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩 - 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥-𝐔𝐩: 𝐏𝐢𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 & 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥-𝐔𝐩 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
Join us for our final session in our Skill-Up series, guiding you on how to put together and build your business pitch - giving you the tools and confidence to explain your idea and get your key message across. This session led by our guest speaker will give you the foundation to build and refine your message for your target audience.

The session will also launch our Skill-Up Fund, providing details on how to apply. Aimed at testing our business ideas or upskilling yourself!
We will answer common questions and walk you through your next steps in your enterprise journey.

Join us in this online session:
📅 Wednesday 27th March, 6-7.30pm, Online (MS Teams)
👉Book your place here: https://lnkd.in/ePftYJqY

21/03/2024

What is the Start-up Fund?
-Designed to support your business ventures – including existing businesses/developed ideas and/or new idea
-The Start-up Fund (SUF) is grant
-Receive up to £5,000 – must include funding ask as part of application process
-The SUF is a real funding process/opportunity – feedback provided throughout

Find out more and apply here: https://lnkd.in/ejAwJKrJ
📅Deadline 31st March

19/03/2024

𝐕𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐂𝐫𝐚𝐰𝐥 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒!

Venture Crawl is an exploration of entrepreneurial ecosystems in different cities around the world.



Last week University students were invited to immerse themselves in the world of entrepreneurship and innovation, to hear the stories of real entrepreneurs and founders!



Participating universities collaborated with partners in their local entrepreneurial ecosystems to offer a packed programme of tours, visits and talks at some of their city's most innovative hotspots.



Thank you to all who attended, the staff who make it happen with all the behind the scenes work, our photographer Yiying Fan and the whole entrepreneurship community!

18/03/2024

Join us to skill-up, developing key skills and knowledge that can help you in developing an entrepreneurial mindset and your personal skillset.
This session will help you to examine all aspects and areas of your enterprise and what key considerations should be given for short and long term growth.
Mapping out all potential areas and considerations for your business, will help to put together a plan on how to move forward and take your next steps. We will provide and talk you through key resources, with examples, to get you thinking and progress your ideas.

Join us to skill-up your business planning!
📅Wednesday 20th March, 6-7.30pm, Start-Up Lab (2.01) STEMLab
👉Book here: https://lboro.targetconnect.net/leap/event.html?id=11076&service=Careers%20Network

12/03/2024

Interested in applying for our Start-Up Fund?

Come along to our next START-Up Fund Information session. Get application ready for Start-up Fund! The LEN Team will be hosting Start-up Fund Information sessions to help you prepare for your application.

📅 Thursday 14th March, 2-2.45pm, Start-Up Lab (STEMLab 2.01)

We will cover:

Entry stage - is this the right fund for you

Application stages

Application criteria

University strategic themes

Key dates

The Start-up Fund (SUF) is not just a grant; it's your key to unlocking up to £5,000 in support for your business ventures, whether they be existing enterprises, developed ideas, or groundbreaking new concepts!

Sign up here: https://www.lboro.ac.uk/students/len/whats-on/eventsactivities2023-24/start-up-fund-info-session4/