Self Employment

 

Another route for students to take is the entrepreneur route, where they can start their own businesses so that they are self-employed for when they graduate.
If you are in early stages and have an idea, the University of Leicester have a couple of options for supporting students and alumni:

 

The Start-Up Fund:

 

“Supported by Santander Universities, our Start-up Fund is designed to help entrepreneurial students like you test new ideas with lots of potential. The Start-Up Accelerator helps you kick start your own business or social enterprise with £1,000 worth of funding and business start-up support!”
 
For more info visit here:

https://le.ac.uk/enterprise/development/innovation-hub/support-for-students/funding-and-grants/start-up-fund

 

Start Up Innovation Grant:

 

  • “£1,000 funding to grow your business 
  • Access to exclusive Start-up Workshops hosted by an exciting line-up of expert guest speakers who will provide advice on start-up and business growth 
  • Coaching to help you make it happen 
  • Access to entrepreneur and industry mentors”

 

For more info:

https://le.ac.uk/enterprise/development/innovation-hub/support-for-students/funding-and-grants/start-up-grant

 

For more resources, events and information about starting a business out of University you can visit the University of Leicester Innovation Hub: https://le.ac.uk/enterprise/development/innovation-hub
 
Here are some of the basics that a graduate site has recommended for graduating students looking to start their own business:
Starting your own Businesss

Prioritise your Financial Security:

 

When starting out it is good to make sure you still have consistent money income and security in order to fund your living expenses, and for having benefits like holiday and sick pay. Whether it’s a part time or a full time job, you can still start developing your business in your spare time, and move into full time self-employment once income from your own business becomes steadier.

Take Advice from Others:

 

Success rates for small businesses tend to occur more in older generations (people in their 40s) and it’s a lot lower for those in their 20s. Be aware of this and reach out for advice and help when you need it. Learn from others who have had experience in the business or who may have achieved a successful small business themselves, there is no shame in admitting you are new to this, and won’t be au fait with all areas.

 

Risk Assess your Business Plan:

 

It’s not negative to focus on what could go wrong, it’s sensible and could mitigate the chances of it happening or at least prepare for these scenarios. The more preparation the better, and this is just part of the process.

 

You don’t need an exit strategy:

 

Perhaps because of the investment climate, many entrepreneurs have an exit strategy before they’ve even incorporated. However, the strongest and most committed business leaders are focused on growth and how to add more value, not how and when to walk away

 

Be conscious of costs:

 

There are a lot of costs when setting up your own business, greater than just the ability to deliver the product or service. What will your marketing be? Do you need to pay for a website domain? Have you considered corporation tax? What travel costs will this involve?

Write an itinerary and go through any hidden costs that could come up and how you may budget for them – hence why point 1 on this list is important to consider. Shop around for your best options, and consider hiring an accountant to help manage all of this.

 

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