Entrepreneurs prepare business ideas for take-off with Launchpad FUEL programme

Twenty teams of entrepreneurs are set to have the the opportunity to secure funding worth thousands of pounds to help boost their businesses after joining a startup development programme.

Launchpad FUEL is an eight-week development programme open to Teesside University students and graduates who are in the early stages of developing a business idea.

Entrepreneurs ranging from 3D animation and games studios and social enterprises to a men’s grooming business, are among the newest round of teams to to the programme.

At the end of the eight weeks, the teams will pitch their business ideas to a panel of judges for a chance to receive up to £19k of grant funding to develop their business.

The teams will then also receive dedicated office space in Teesside Launchpad for six months together with a support package including specialist mentoring, business workshops, networking and access to finance and investment support.

The twenty teams were invited on to FUEL after submitting short video pitches for their business. This is the second cohort of businesses to go through the development programme.

Steve Dougan, head of graduate enterprise at Teesside University, said: “Launchpad FUEL is unique as it offers entrepreneurs grant funding to start their business.

“This year, there are some really strong teams going through the development programme with some extremely varied and innovative ideas.

“It is particularly pleasing to see a large number of female entrepreneurs taking part and also several social enterprises.”

Teesside Launchpad is based in a converted Victorian school at the University’s Middlesbrough campus and offers a co-working space where students, graduates, alumni-entrepreneurs, SMEs and corporate partners can come together in a startup eco-system.

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