Students at the University of Leicester are being offered a
unique opportunity to win cash awards to help develop their
entrepreneurial ideas.
Santander's "Awards for Entrepreneurship" scheme, part of the
Santander Universities network of supporting the Higher Education
sector, offers a combined total of £44,000 to support the
next generation of entrepreneurs.
Applications for the awards take the form of a proposal from the
applicant, which would include details such as proposed target
market, financial forecasts, idea viability, but also personal
motivations and objectives. The awards are separated by two
categories, undergraduate and postgraduate with the top prize for
each category being £5,000 and £20,000
respectively.
Proposals can be submitted now and the competition will be open
until the 5th May 2011. There will be a selection process at the
University of Leicester with the strongest applicants being entered
into consideration alongside other contestants from participating
universities. The top 5 entries from each category, as judged
anonymously by a judging panel from partnered universities, will go
head to head to pitch to judges in London.
Working alongside Santander Universities the University of
Leicester is providing the opportunity for its students to get
access to funding which marks a real chance for them to develop
their ideas further.
Rajinder Bhuhi, Enterprise Learning Officer at the University
said:
"This is a fantastic chance for students to get access to
funding to turn a dream to reality. Getting funding for your
business idea is one of the key hurdles any entrepreneur will come
across".
Mrs Bhuhi added:
"This opportunity compliments the work within Student
Development and our aim to develop, nurture and support the
development of business ideas from our students. We are working
hard to provide the tools, skills and knowledge to our
entrepreneurial students and to be able to guide them towards
opportunities like this is a real bonus".
Stephen O'Connor, Director of Development in the Development and
Alumni Relations Office said:
"We are delighted that Santander have chosen to support the
University of Leicester through its Santander Universities scheme
and welcome their valuable funding for Postgraduate Student
Scholarships, Travel Awards and our Summer School activity. As one
of the UK's leading Universities we are committed to encouraging
entrepreneurship amongst our students and the "Awards for
Entrepreneurship" scheme is an exciting development in the
partnership with Santander Universities and offers an excellent
opportunity to recognise and support the many talented
entrepreneurs at Leicester."