Are you thinking of starting your own business, going freelance, or taking your side hustle to the next level?
The Venture Programme is here to help you grow the skills, confidence, and connections needed to work freelance or become your own boss.
Through events, workshops, and one-to-one mentoring with industry experts, you’ll learn what it takes to turn ideas into action and meet people who are just as driven as you. Take a look at some start-up stories from students and graduates who have been through the programme and successfully launched their own businesses.
You may not have a business idea just yet and want to explore the different aspects of starting up, or you may already be running a business and wish to hone and develop key skills. It doesn’t matter what stage you’re at – you can still get involved.
If you’re ready to take your idea further, our annual Venture Pitch Event gives you the chance to compete for a share of funding and business prizes to kickstart your journey.
What type of support can I access?
The Venture Programme offers a series of events, online resources, and one-to-one guidance designed to support you in starting your own business, beginning your freelancing journey, or developing your entrepreneurial skills. Whatever stage you’re at, we can help!
Venture sessions cover a wide range of topics, including:
- Introduction to Enterprise and Entrepreneurship
- Starting with an Idea
- Building on an Idea
- Developing Your Skills
- Preparing for Launch
All sessions are delivered by entrepreneurs, industry experts, and business consultants and coaches.
What businesses have started from the Venture Programme?
Whatever your business idea, you can benefit from the Venture Programme. Over the past 10 years, businesses in a wide range of sectors have taken part, including:
- Photography
- Animal Care
- Food Manufacture
- Wheelchair Design
- Illustration
- PR
- Custom Clothing
You can check out a selection of the businesses we’ve supported through the Venture Programme here.
How many sessions do I have to attend?
It’s completely up to you. Some students choose to attend all sessions because they want support across all areas, while others attend only those relevant to their current stage.
You can join the Venture Programme at any time and create a bespoke package tailored to your needs.
How do I get involved?
- For events and sessions, book via CareerHub here.
- To chat about the programme or your business idea, book an appointment here.
- If you’ve missed a session, you can view all online resources here.
What else do I need to know?
- Venture is open to students and graduates of the University of Chester.
- Venture is for students of any course – it’s not just for Business students.
What’s The Venture Pitch?
At the end of the year, we hold a ‘Dragon’s Den’-style pitch event. If you’ve attended 12 hours of Venture sessions, have a valid business idea, and want to pitch, you can apply.
Ten selected businesses will pitch to a panel of judges for a share of £5,000 in start-up funding and over £7,000 in business prizes, including a website, business grants, iPads, office space, and business coaching to help you launch your business.
Over the past ten years, we’ve awarded over £60,000 to student start-ups and freelancers.
Click here to check out highlights of the previous event, including a full list of all the winners.