Support

Our designated Student Enterprise Adviser can offer advice, resources, events, and connections to help you build your skills, test your ideas, and take confident steps toward self-employment. You can book a one-to-one appointment online via Microsoft Teams and in person at most campuses - please check the Enterprise Adviser's bookings calendar on My Career Enriched for availability. 

We regularly run workshops and events designed to help you build the skills you need, from creating a business plan to managing finances and marketing your services. We’re committed to ensuring that self-employment is accessible to all students, regardless of background or circumstances. No matter where you are on your journey, we’re here to help you grow your confidence and make your entrepreneurial dreams a reality. Let us support you in turning your ideas into a successful venture! 

Funding is a crucial part of launching a small business.  Explore funding options such as innovation grants, startup competitions, research-based funding, or low-interest loans designed for young entrepreneurs. Many schemes specifically support  startups, particularly those with potential for social or environmental impact.  

Before applying for funding, you need to be clear how much you are looking to raise, the period of the funding, what the funding will be used for and what type of funding you are looking to raise. Be realistic and make sure you have the data to back up any claims made in your business plan and cash flow.   

When looking at funding decide are you going to apply for grants or loans? Or a mixture of both? What will this look like? Consider the payment terms and make sure you included this within your financial forecasting.   

If you have decided to apply for a potential grant, make sure that you meet the eligibility criteria before applying. If you don’t meet the criteria, don’t waste your time developing an application! Use the time to help generate income in other ways or by applying for funding that you do meet the eligibility for.   

The Student Enterprise Adviser maintains a list of funding sources which can be accessed here: Funding and grants list 

If you're exploring self-employment building a strong network is essential. It can connect you with mentors, collaborators, future clients, and even investors who can support your journey from idea to enterprise. Environmental professionals need to network because the field is constantly evolving. New technologies, methodologies, and discoveries are emerging all the time, and staying ahead of the curve requires a deep understanding of these developments. 

A good starting point is attending campus events, such as entrepreneurship workshops, guest lectures, and club meetings, where like-minded individuals and industry professionals often gather.  

You can also join the Cumbria Network - a mentoring and networking platform designed to support your career journey. Click here to find out more.

Online platforms like LinkedIn and social media groups focused on entrepreneurship are great ways to connect with alumni, professors, and professionals in your field of interest. Building genuine relationships by asking questions, offering help, and showing curiosity can lead to valuable guidance and opportunities. Ask for short informational chats with people working in areas that inspire you, and share updates on your projects, ideas, or events you attend to grow visibility.

At the University of Cumbria, we believe enterprise and self-employment should be open and accessible to all students, regardless of background, identity, or lived experience. 

Self-employment can be especially valuable for students who are neurodivergent, disabled, from minority communities, or balancing study with other life commitments. It provides the opportunity to work in ways that reflect your strengths, interests, and values. 

Your ideas belong in the entrepreneurial space, and we're here to help you bring them to life. To talk to our Enterprise Adviser make an appointment via My Career Enriched.