Enterprise and start-up support
Launch a start-up, grow a freelance career, or build ideas that make an impact. We can help you start something brilliant with Student Futures Enterprise and Start-up.
Turn your ideas into real-world success
Our Start-up and Enterprise team helps you build the skills needed to launch a business, go freelance, or drive innovation, no matter where you’re starting from. We offer tailored support and step-by-step pathways to give you access to mentoring, workspace, funding, and events designed to help you grow your ideas and confidence.
What we offer:
- one-to-one advice and business mentoring
- workshops and pitch evenings
- access to limited start-up desk space
- mentorship from experienced business owners
- competitions and awards for funding, exposure, and connections
Explore enterprise opportunities and programmes
Our pathways, programmes, and awards offer real-world experience in critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving. These are skills that help you stand out to employers. Whether you want to start a business, build your CV, or just try something new, there’s an option to suit your ambitions.
Launch your business or freelance career
The Startup and Freelance Pathway provides online practical support for launching a new venture or starting as a freelancer that you can work through at your own pace.
Pitch your ideas in flagship competitions
The Start-up and Freelance Awards, 100 Big Ideas, and the Science Innovation Challenge offer exciting opportunities to compete for cash prizes and mentorship. Whether you’re showcasing creativity, solving real-world science problems, or pitching your business idea, these competitions provide valuable exposure and rewards.
Grow your skills and tackle global challenges
The Inspire Programme offers innovation workshops, networking events, and employability-boosting activities to help you develop key skills. Meanwhile, the Bremen–Cardiff Sustainability Programme brings together students from both universities to collaborate on solutions for global sustainability challenges.
Get recognised as a standout entrepreneur
Entrepreneur of the Month spotlights Cardiff’s most innovative student entrepreneurs and their achievements.
Learn through doing
Join our workshops, drop-in sessions, creative sprints or pitch events. You don’t need to have a business idea, just curiosity and a willingness to try. You’ll build transferable skills like creative thinking, communication, and resilience that are valued in any future career.
Meet our student entrepreneur champions
From bold ideas to real impact, Cardiff students are making their mark. Our student entrepreneurs are turning creativity into careers, with innovative tech, sustainable products, and community-driven ventures.
Here are just a few of their stories:
Why enterprise matters
Enterprise isn’t just for future business owners. It’s about thinking differently, trying new things, and developing a mindset that helps you adapt, lead, and make a difference, whether you’re launching a product or leading a team. Whatever career you’re aiming for, enterprise skills will help you get there with confidence.
Contact
Follow us on LinkedIn to see how Cardiff students are taking enterprise and start-ups to the next level.
