8258395c-3447-4358-bb67-f3035cd165d7.png

Start Up

Start Up is the ultimate employability and entrepreneurship experience for Higher Education and Further Education students. Participants set up and run their own student company for one term or up to 12 months, develop employability skills and prepare for the world of work.

At a glance

  • Age range - Suitable for students aged 18+
  • Flexible duration – to suit the course, from one term up to an academic year
  • Support from a business volunteer where possible
  • £10m Product and Public liability insurance cover

Skills for life. Confidence for the future.

Start Up is a curriculum enrichment programme designed for further and higher education. It supports various courses, from sciences to humanities, and serves as an excellent enrichment activity. The programme enhances the educational experience and deepens learning.

Add ons: 

  • Mentoring support and advice from trained volunteers.
  • Bespoke business workshops tailored around your curriculum (e.g. visual merchandising or marketing). 

Supported by £10m Product and Public Liability insurance, students set up and run a student company, with access to our dedicated website for resources and guidance.

As part of the programme, students can set up their student company business current account with Card One Money, and sell to the public at in person events and our online store, YE Trading Station. 

Multiple companies can be run within one University or College and students can participate in competitions at a local, regional and potentially national level, offering a variety of learning development opportunities. 

From £620 per company. Multi-buy discounts available.

You can find the Terms and Conditions and governing Operating Framework here.

Learning Outcomes

  • Develop confidence, an enterprising mindset and employability skills
  • Gain first-hand experience of work, job roles and working as a team
  • Gain self-awareness of personal strengths and areas for development
  • Understand self-employment/ entrepreneurship as a career option
  • Set SMART goals and plan next steps to achieve successful futures

As a national independent charity we rely on raising funds to deliver our programmes to support young people. If you are interested in becoming a corporate partner of the Start Up Programme, please contact fundraising@y-e.org.uk 

Start Up

Start Up Finalists

“Taking part in the programme has been an exciting and eye-opening experience for me. The programme has been enriched with valuable industry partners and professionals, several of whom have continued working with me over the summer.” 

Jessica Macguire, Edge Hill University Student
David Taylor

"Young Enterprise is an opportunity for students to apply their learning, it also gives them a stepping stone into experiencing the real world of business. My favourite parts of the programme are watching students grow and get joy in their studies, but with a clear sustainability focus." 

David Taylor, Lecturer, Manchester Metropolitan University