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Self-employment starts with a spark… an idea, a problem you want to solve, or a passion you’re ready to pursue. As a university student, you’re in a unique position to explore those ideas with curiosity and creativity. Whether it’s applying your course knowledge in a new way, using your personal experiences as motivation, or being inspired by someone who’s built their own path, there’s no single route into entrepreneurship. 

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  • Student Success Stories

    SoMo Creation 

    An interview with Sophie Steadman and Molly Hughes  - Fine Art 2023 

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    Tell us a little about your small business and/or what motivated you to start: 

    SoMo Creation is an arts collective created by ourselves (Sophie Steadman and Molly Hughes), when we graduated with Fine Art degrees from the University of Cumbria in 2023. Throughout our degrees, we volunteered at and got involved with as many art events as we could. We really enjoyed working alongside one another and felt as though we could see ourselves doing this together after we had finished university. We became a fully registered CIC in August 2024. We set SoMo up with an aim to provide and promote creative events in Carlisle and the surrounding areas. With community and collaboration as our core principles, we also offer support and guidance to artists who are looking for opportunities and connections in the creative community. 

    What help did you have/or would you like to have had, from UoC? 

    We were very lucky to have been graduate artists in residence for a year after we graduated. Throughout this residency, we had a mentor, Karen Jones, who guided and supported us in developing SoMo, and gaining knowledge about CIC's and whether this was the right path for SoMo to take. We are really grateful to have had this support! 

    Where would you like to be in 12 months’ time? 

    In 12 months time we would love to be a position where we have had successful funding, to allow us to develop and grow the range or art related opportunities that we can provide for creative people in Cumbria. 

    Three words that describe your business 

    Creative, fun, and exciting!  

    University of Cumbria students and graduates are showing that you don’t have to wait long after your studies to succeed in business. Some more of our successful small business owners share their inspiration and top tips below.  

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  • Interesting Videos

    Thinking about working for yourself? These videos are a great starting point for university students curious about self-employment. They’ll introduce key concepts and offer practical tips to help you on your way. So, whether you’re imagining a side hustle, freelancing with your skills, or launching a start-up, these clips will help you understand how self-employment could work for you.

     

    Juggling self-employment and studying with Meg Zeenat Wamithi

    Want to be self-employed?

    Sole Trader vs. Limited Company - Which One is BETTER To Save Tax As A UK Business In 2025

    6 Tips on Being a Successful Entrepreneur

    How to Get Your First Customers

     

    How to build a brand in 7mins

     

    Value Props: Create a Product People Will Actually Buy

    The Secret to Successfully Pitching an Idea | The Way We Work, a TED series

    Why is Michael Sheen holding a spanner and what are social enterprises?! Chris Addison explains all.

  • Webinar Replays

    Got a spare couple of minutes? Check out one of our Five Minute Focus videos! These offer a quick introduction to some of our most popular self-employment topics. 

     

    Finance and Funding

    Finding First Sale

    Freelancing

     

    Feel Good Firms 

     

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