Students with entrepreneurial spark could land £10,000

Entrepreneurial students with smart ideas could be given up to £10,000 in funding to launch their own businesses today (15 November)

Nottingham Trent University and Santander Universities are working together to identify and support the next generation of entrepreneurial talent.

Budding business leaders will get the chance to pitch their ideas to start-up experts during an EXPO named ‘Spark’ today.

The initiative is open to all students at Nottingham Trent University (NTU). The EXPO will allow the students to talk to advisors and take their first step on the road to setting up a company and potentially receiving funding.

Guest speakers include award-winning entrepreneur Dominic McGregor, co-founder of The Social Chain, James Douglas, founder of Red’s True Barbecue, and NTU alumnus Miles Waghorn, founder of TechSilver.

The initiative is run in conjunction with The Hive, the university’s centre for entrepreneurship and enterprise.

Chris Hall, business manager of The Hive, said: “We’re looking to find the next generation of entrepreneurial talent and help them ignite their spark.

“The EXPO promises to be an inspiring occasion during which we will hear from some amazing business leaders.

“People will be able to meet them, learn more about our Spark programme and start the journey of turning their exciting ideas into reality.”

Matt Hutnell, director at Santander Universities, said: “We’re pleased that Santander Universities Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Fund will support this exciting opportunity to support the next generation of entrepreneurial talent.

“We’re delighted to be involved in this project and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will bring to both students and the local business community.”