Business start-up support

At Teesside University, we believe your ideas have the power to shape the future. That's why we've made it our mission to support students and graduates in turning their ambitions into real-world ventures.

We've helped launch over 700 businesses - from innovative tech startups to bold creative agencies. Together, they generated nearly £120m in annual turnover by the end of 2024. That's not just numbers on a page - it's proof of what's possible when passion meets the right support.

Whether you're exploring an idea or ready to launch, you'll be part of a thriving community of innovators and changemakers. In fact, around three quarters of these businesses are in the digital and tech space, helping make Teesside one of the UK's most exciting regions for tech growth.

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Businesses supported

Some standout businesses that started with students and graduates just like you include:

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Global Entrepreneurship Week - together we build

17 - 23 November

Time to celebrate bold ideas, innovators, change makers, creative thinking, and the power of enterprise to transform communities.

Teesside University proudly supports your entrepreneurial spirit through our on campus Launchpad.

Never wait for the perfect plan: Sophia’s Petite Agency journey

Sophia Gowland, founder of Petite Agency, is a proud Teesside alumna with a degree in business management. Drawn to Teesside for its close-knit community and forward-thinking ethos, Sophia found the environment both supportive and inspiring.

Making their experience count: how Teesside graduates turned student challenges into solutions

Nathan Marr and Joe Hilton had very different experiences during their studies but collaborated to establish Student Semester Planner; and a sister company called Growth Planner Co - with international success.

Many Cats: a global accessibility powerhouse for the games industry

Teesside graduate Chris Goodyear is the founder of Many Cats - a disabled-led accessibility firm reshaping representation in gaming.

From art college to award-winning studio

Zara K Designs is a multi-award-winning product design studio, and the first female-owned business of its kind on Teesside. The company specialises in addressing design challenges that are often neglected or considered unconventional.

Teesside graduate Lou Tonner, Chief Operating Officer at Wander

Find out about the support services Lou used to get Wander off the ground at Teesside and how the business has gone from strength to strength.

Wanting to start your own business?

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Interested in starting or growing a business?

Find out more about our FUEL programme, business support and incubation and POWERUP programme.
More about starting or growing a business

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