BCU Future Founders Fund
Got the idea. Got the drive. Now get the backing.
The BCU Future Founders Fund offers students up to £25,000 in investment, plus the mentorship and support to take a business from concept to reality.
The future of work offers more than the traditional 9 to 5, and we want you to be ready for all of it. We’re looking to champion practical, creative projects that bring in diverse voices, open doors for underserved communities, and push innovation beyond traditional fields.
Develop your business idea
Start strong with a £250 Business Development Grant
Got a side hustle or business idea but need time, tools or space to move it forward? Our £250 Business Development Grant removes early barriers so you can focus on preparing your idea, ready to apply for a Future Founders Fund investment.
You could be eligible for a £250 Business Development Grant if:
- You have a strong business idea you want to explore.
- You are facing practical barriers, such as limited time due to paid work or caring responsibilities.
- You can show how the grant would help you develop your business (e.g., customer research, refining your concept, or preparing to pitch).
- You plan to apply for Future Founders Fund investment once your idea is ready.
How to apply
Applications for this fund will remain open on a rolling basis. To apply, send an email outlining how you meet these criteria.
This is just the first step in your journey to becoming an entrepreneur. Once your business idea is ready, you can apply for up to £25,000 of investment as part of the Future Founders Fund.
Support to help you succeed
You're not alone in building your business. BCU’s Student Enterprise services have helped establish 213 businesses in the region over the past three years, combining practical support with real-world insight.
STEAMhouse
Our STEAMhouse Business Incubator offers space, expertise and a supportive community for students, graduates and local entrepreneurs developing new ventures.
STEAMhouse servicesBSEEN
Through BSEEN, you can access a 12 month start up package designed to help turn ideas into viable businesses, supported by regional partners.
Find out about BSEEN1-1 enterprise support
Book to speak with a member of our Student Enterprise team to get tailored advice, honest feedback and practical next steps.
Book a 1-1Take your idea to the next level with an investment of up to £25,000
If you have an existing business or you have developed an idea through the business development grant, you can apply for up to £25,000 in investment to grow your business. The Fund is particularly interested in supporting student businesses that combine the imagination of the arts with the precision of technology, engineering, science and maths.
This funding can be used to:
- build prototypes
- launch or refine services
- develop your first products
- test, grow and validate your business.
Alongside investment, you’ll get access to pitching support, workspace and be connected to a corporate leader, who will provide practical support and industry insight to accelerate your journey towards investment and growth.
Successful applicants will need to demonstrate their skills and commitment as a founder, how the business meets market need and how the business will be profitable.
Why get involved?
Because entrepreneurial skills do more than build businesses. They build careers.
Through the Future Founders Fund, you will:
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Start your journey as an entrepreneur, backed by BCU. See your idea turn into a viable business.
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Develop vital transferable skills such as problem-solving, creativity, adaptability, leadership, and resilience through practical innovation. These skills will prepare you for the future of the workplace, regardless of your individual entrepreneurship journey.
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Turn your hand to entrepreneurship in a supportive environment, and navigate the risk with additional support and resources.
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Contribute to economic growth and solve real-world problems in Birmingham and beyond.
How to apply for the investment fund
Apply by Monday 11 May
To apply, send an email to andrew.buckley2@bcu.ac.uk (no longer than 2 pages) outlining:
- How your business solves a problem or meets market need
- How the solution you propose could be profitable and sustainable
- Your commitment and capacity as a founder/ team