Graduates
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Launchpad FUEL programme
STARTUP: support, workshops, mentors, space and funding
Our intensive graduate start-up programme (approximately seven weeks) offers you the experience of expert-led workshops, mentoring and support, getting you ready to pitch for a share of £30k grant funding.
Expert-led workshops, mentoring and support
£30k of grant funding
Preparing you to pitch for your share
Diary
Applications open 11 May
Deadline: 12 June
If you are a Teesside University student, graduate or staff member in the initial stages of starting a business, this industry-led programme is for you.
Bringing together the very best Tees Valley business mentors and coaches support for every stage of starting a business, key areas covered include business pitching, planning and finance, alongside practical tools such as lean methodology, the business model canvas, validation board and value proposition canvas. You will also explore market research, marketing, presentation skills and sales, with the opportunity to test trade and apply your learning in a real-world setting.
How Fuel support has helped students
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.
Key dates:
- Applications deadline: 12 June 2026
- Selection outcomes: 16 June 2026
- Programme start: 29 June 2026
We’ll also be hosting a special PRE -FUEL workshop ahead of the programme for selected applicants to meet their peers, ask any questions, get to know the team and learn more about the opportunities available to you.
How to apply
- Create a two-minute pitch video and 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
- Fill out the Fuel Programme 2026 application form
For general enquiries about Fuel 2026 contact enterprise@tees.ac.uk.
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.
Top tips for your FUEL application
Hear from some of our successful FUEL applicants about how you can make your application stand out.
Eligibility
You must be a current Teesside University student, a graduate (within the last two years) or currently employed staff member in the initial stages of starting a business. Please note, you must be eligible to register a business in the UK to participate in this programme.
You don’t have to have it all figured out just yet and you don’t need to be a registered business. What you do need is to have a formulated early-stage business proposition and the passion to develop and grow your venture, and ultimately showcase it at the end of the programme to our trustees for your chance at a share of funding.
Pitch tips
Not perfect
A great pitch doesn’t need to be perfect, just needs to be clear, confident and focused. Start by explaining your idea in simple terms. If someone outside your field can understand it straight away, you’re on the right track.
Need
Be clear about the problem you are solving and who it matters to. The strongest pitches show a real need, not just a good idea. Make it relatable and, where you can, bring it to life with a quick example.
Impact
Show how the Fuel funding will make a difference. Be specific about what you would use it for and how it will move your idea forward. This helps us see the potential impact of your business.
Timing
Keep it concise and structured. You only have two minutes, so focus on the key points and avoid overloading your pitch with detail.
Belief
Let your enthusiasm come through. We’re not just looking at the idea; we’re looking at you. Confidence, clarity and a genuine belief in what you’re building can make all the difference.
Top tips for your FUEL pitch
Hear from some of our successful FUEL applicants about what you need to do before putting together your pitch.
Meet our previous winners
We are huge advocates of the Fuel programme and wouldn’t be on the trajectory we’re on right now without the dedicated Launchpad team who have been amazing mentors, the incredible seven-week process and being in that Fuel environment. We were burnt out and at a loss at where we turn next. We are now in a very different position, and we really owe that to Fuel. This has truly been an incredible experience, it’s opened door after door for us and pushed Sunday Girl to new heights. The connections we have made have been invaluable, from Teesside powerhouses to the fantastic team at Launchpad.
The Fuel Programme really helped me fine-tune my business plan with all the different talks they had. I especially found the ones about sales and pitching useful because they gave me the soft skills I needed to land clients after the programme ended. Weekly pitching exercises also helped me figure out what I’m good at when it comes to talking to people, and I’ve used that in other pitches since then. And then there’s Launchpad, which gave me all the tools I needed to make my business thrive. The staff there are amazing - they treat your business like it’s their own and go above and beyond to make sure you have everything you need to succeed.
T
he Fuel programme was instrumental in the early stages of my business journey, and I’ll be forever grateful. It not only helped kick start my business, but the continued support has helped my business grow. I gained the tools I very much needed in the early days and the likeminded community I met on the programme really did give me that extra push of motivation and confidence.
Through the Fuel programme, one-to-one mentoring sessions with Launchpad staff and being surrounded by entrepreneurs I have developed a much deeper understanding of business and how to run one. Without the Launchpad team I wouldn’t be where I am today. Their knowledge, connections and funding options have helped me so much.
The Fuel programme taught me so many aspects of running a business that I otherwise wouldn’t have known – including where to start. I was delighted to have been successful in the pitch and have secured grant money to help take Dey Studios to the next level. As well as funding, I moved into studio space at Launchpad. The continued support from Fuel has been amazing for my journey so far. I am very grateful.
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.
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