Group Size
?
1.) Small group (teams of 4-6)
2.) Individual Task
3.) Large Group
4.) Any
Individual Task, Large Group
Learning Environment
?
1.) Lecture Theatre
2.) Presentation Space
3.) Carousel Tables (small working group)
4.) Any
5.) Outside
6.) Special
Presentation Space
QAA Enterprise Theme(s)
?
1.) Creativity and Innovation
2.) Opportunity recognition, creation and evaluation
3.) Decision making supported by critical analysis and judgement
4.) Implementation of ideas through leadership and management
5.) Reflection and Action
6.) Interpersonal Skills
7.) Communication and Strategy
1Creativity and Innovation
2Opportunity recognition‚ creation and evaluation
3Decision making supported by critical analysis and judgement
4Implementation of ideas through leadership and management
5Reflection and Action
6Interpersonal Skills
7Communication and Strategy
The Enterprise Scholarship programme is an annual initiative where current students can apply with their business ideas, or as early stage start-ups, and, if selected, receive considerable support and funding (£5K) to develop their venture. The programme includes an intensive residential bootcamp and gala dinner, comprehensive business start-up training, mentoring, incubation space and grant funding. Throughout the year the scholars attend numerous events intended to boost their own business networks. The programme is fully funded through alumni and business donations.
Eligibilit
The Enterprise Scholarships are available to any registered student of the University of Leeds. This includes foundation level, undergraduates, Masters and PhD students. Teams of up to 3 can apply and team members can come from other institutions but the main lead must be from the University of Leeds.
Applications
The application form goes live on the Spark website in September each year and with a submission deadline at the end of October. Students are required to have their applications signed off by their supervisor. This is to ensure that the scholarship will not impinge on their studies.
Shortlisting
A preliminary panel assess each application to shortlist to 18 applicants. Criteria is based on the validity of the business idea, potential for implementation or growth, the suitability of the applicant in terms of their enterprising approach, and the potential for personal development through being involved in the programme. This is done in late October/early November.
Judging panel
The 18 shortlisted applicants are required to pitch a 10 minute presentation on their business idea/venture to a panel of judges. The panel of 4 is made up from Spark staff and two previous enterprise scholars. This is done over 2 days in mid-November.
Successful applicants
All applicants are informed of the result the day after the judging. The number of scholarships distributed depends on the donations received through the philanthropic gifts received by the Advancement Team. Typically this is between 15 and 20 each year.
Bootcamp
Every successful scholar is required to attend the 2 day residential bootcamp held at the University’s hotel inLeeds. This includes a gala dinner where senior management of the University are in attendance. Speeches are given by the Head of Spark and a former enterprise scholar. The bootcamp takes place in the week before Christmas.
Bootcamp format
The bootcamp starts at 9am with speed networking followed by a session on business planning. This is followed by sessions on legal requirements, marketing, branding, IP, accountancy, digital marketing. A session on networking skills in a practical setting and a pitching workshop complete the first day around 5pm. Day 2 comprises an ice breaker, a talk from a successful entrepreneur, pitching practice and a pitching competition where every person has to deliver a 1 minute pitch on their business idea. This is judged by 3 previous scholars and a financial prize is awarded for the best pitch (this is a donation from a previous scholar). The bootcamp finishes with mulled wine and mince pies.
All workshops, sessions and talks are given by Spark staff, the extended Spark team (lawyers, accountants, IP lawyers) and our external support network but mainly by Spark alumni business founders.
Spending plans
The scholarship is worth £3000 to each business (not individuals). To receive the money, each scholar has to submit a spending plan which is agreed with a Spark business advisor. This is normally done in January/February. £2500 is released once the spending plan is approved, and the remaining £500 is released when the scholar completes a short video or letter of thanks for their donor who funded their place. All spending must be released before the end of June.
Ongoing meetings and events
The scholars are expected to attend regular (preferably monthly) meetings with a Spark business advisor to help with their business development. The scholars are also expected to attend our Entrepreneurs Exchange events (peer to peer group) which are held every two months. Throughout the year the scholars are called upon to attend other University of Leeds events and act as ambassadors for Spark. All scholars receive space in our business start-up incubator.
Donors
To donors, each scholarship is for £5000. £3000 goes directly to the student business, £1000 goes on the residential bootcamp, and £1000 goes to external consultants who support the development of their business ideas.
The impact of the Scholarship and bootcamp is clearly identified from the comments received from one of our Enterprise Scholars 2023:
“I wanted to take a moment to let you know how much I appreciate you and the entire Spark team for team for organizing the Enterprise Bootcamp and giving me the opportunity to become a part of a very special network.
It was an incredible opportunity that I feel very privileged to have had. The experience was nothing short of fantastic. I appreciate all of your hard work and attention in making this program possible. It is something I will definitely carry with me throughout my entrepreneurial journey. Thank you very much for your efforts. The support, encouragement and resources offered by Spark will be vital in my journey toward becoming a successful entrepreneur.
I am genuinely excited about the prospect of giving back to Spark in the future and contributing to the community that has been and will continue to be instrumental in my personal and professional development.”
Enterprise Scholarship Gala Dinner
Spark alumni business delivering session at bootcamp
Application forms are available on the website.
