Student Enterprise Workshop Series returns to Teesside University

Teesside University is bringing back its Spark! Student Enterprise Workshop Series, giving students the opportunity to develop their enterprise skills, explore new ideas and gain practical experience.

Returning for its second year following a successful pilot programme in spring 2026, Spark! offers eight free, practical workshops for current Teesside University students.

The programme has been designed to help students develop skills they can use both in their future careers and to explore their own business ideas.

Students do not need to have an existing business or a fully developed idea to take part. Through practical and collaborative activities, they can build their confidence, develop their creativity and learn more about turning an idea into something they can test and develop.

The series begins on Wednesday 14 October with Spark! Your Creative Thinking: How to Generate New Ideas.

Further workshops will introduce students to areas including testing and validating ideas, developing a business model, using digital and AI tools, building a brand, networking, pitching and exploring how to launch an idea on a budget.

The full programme includes:

• Wednesday 14 October - Spark! Your Creative Thinking: How to Generate New Ideas
• Wednesday 21 October - Spark! for Success: How to Be Your Own Boss
• Wednesday 28 October - Test Your Spark!: How to Validate Your Ideas
• Wednesday 4 November - Spark! Business Model Canvas: The 20 Minute Business Plan
• Wednesday 11 November - Spark! for the Future: How to Use Digital AI Tools
• Wednesday 18 November - Spark! Your Brand Story: How to Get Noticed Online
• Wednesday 25 November - Pitch Your Spark!: How to Network and Sell Your Ideas
• Wednesday 2 December - Fund Your Spark!: How to Launch Your Idea on a Budget

Each workshop takes place from 1.30pm - 3.30pm in the Bell Room.

From first idea to LaunchFest

The programme culminates in LaunchFest on Wednesday 9 December, a student enterprise showcase and pitch competition which gives students the opportunity to put what they have learned into practice.

Students will be able to showcase their ideas, develop their pitching experience and compete for prizes of up to £250.

Spark! forms part of Teesside University’s support for students to develop their enterprise and employability skills, make connections and explore opportunities beyond their studies.

Whether students arrive with an idea they want to develop or are simply interested in building new skills, the programme offers a practical introduction to enterprise in a supportive environment.

Spark! is open to all current Teesside University students.

Find out more and register for the first Spark! workshop on Wednesday 14 October at the link below.

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Spark! How to generate new ideas

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Enterprise at Teesside University

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