Graduates
Interested in starting or growing a business? Stay on this page
Business support and incubation
Since 2015, our mission has been to create an entrepreneurial community to support our University’s most promising start-ups and founders, investing our time and resources to help them succeed.
From superb spaces, mentorship, expert-led workshops and networking events, Launchpad participants enjoy access to outstanding services and programmes, led by dedicated professionals.
We offer:
- subsidised starter offices at £120 per month (includes all utilities, high speed WiFi) for up to 12 months
- access to reduced rate follow-on space
- access to the University Library and gym, access to car park (chargeable)
- workshops and mentoring
- opportunities to network with the Launchpad and co-working community.
Criteria for an office:
- have at least one Teesside University graduate in your team
- be in initial stages of starting up / recently registered (under six months old)
- be able to show growth plan
- have at least two founders in your team
- willing to contribute to the community and attend events and workshops specifically for Launchpad incubated businesses
- to be subject to regular business reviews
- be revenue generating.
Launchpad FUEL programme
STARTUP: support, workshops, mentors, space and funding
Our Intensive 7-Week Graduate Start-Up Programme offers you the experience of expert-led workshops, mentoring and support, getting you ready to pitch for up to a share of £30k grant funding.
The programme is specifically for Teesside University students, graduates and staff who are in the first stages of starting a business.
This interactive, industry-led programme brings together the best Tees Valley-based business mentors and coaches to deliver each syllabus topic and takes you through the stages of starting a business.
At the end of the programme you benefit from:
- an opportunity for each business founder to pitch to the trustees for grant funding
- dedicated office space for six months at Teesside Launchpad (if needed)
- expert mentoring and coaching
- business workshops and networking opportunities.
How to apply
- Create a two-minute pitch video and a 250-word synopsis telling us what your business idea is and why you think the FUEL programme and funding will help you.
- Upload your video to YouTube and send us your link
Entry dates to be confirmed, but please contact us with an expression of interest.
Pitch video must haves:
- an outline of your business idea
- what the problem you are solving is and for whom
- how the FUEL funding would help your business
- what you would spend the grant funding on.
Good luck!
POWERUP: indie games accelerator
Our purpose-built accelerator programme for early-stage independent video games studios offers:
- six studios per cycle
- 12-seater studio per team
- PCs and software licences
- PR and event support
- industry-led workshops
- industry mentors
- publisher pitching
Next intake September 2023
How to apply:
- Pitch your studio to camera telling us about your team, your game, and your aims and aspirations.
- Upload to YouTube
- Application criteria
- you must be a graduate
- you must have a team
Entry dates to be confirmed, but contact us with an expression of interest.
Good luck!
