Loughborough University: Startups invited to apply for one of 20 places on Loughborough-based business accelerator
LU inc. has opened up 20 places for startups on its Autumn business accelerator.
The Charnwood-based incubator is inviting entrepreneurs and early-stage businesses to apply for next intake on its twice-yearly programme.
Membership comes with a raft of free benefits for new and emerging businesses. These include free workspace and access to meeting rooms, mentoring and coaching sessions from expert advisers, and potential funding for follow-on workspace in the local area.
LU inc. is the business accelerator of Loughborough University. For 10 years, it has supported graduate startups and helped to create companies and jobs.
A separate business growth partnership with Charnwood Borough Council and the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP), which began last year, increased its scope to also provide free places for off-campus businesses.
This coincided with the opening of the Careers and Enterprise Hub in Loughborough town centre. LU inc. uses the building’s first floor for events and as free workspace for local startups. A total of 44 new businesses have been supported by LU inc. since it officially opened in May 2021.
Startups and early-stage businesses can learn more about the free support available through a number of in-person and online options over the course of June:
Meet the Founder (Careers and Enterprise Hub, 12.30pm, 15 June)
Early-stage businesses can hear from entrepreneurs David Chan and Vedant Mistry as they share their experiences and discuss opportunities for startups.
Meet the Founder (Careers and Enterprise Hub, 12.30pm, 22 June)
Early-stage businesses can hear from entrepreneurs Kate Walker and Idi Kadiron as they share their experiences and discuss the benefits of accelerators.
LU inc. Q&A session (Online, 3.30pm, 27 June)
An open drop-in session where you can ask questions of leaders from the startups programme at LU inc. – and learn about the free support available.
Businesses can register for all events – and learn more about what you can gain from LU inc. membership – by going to the LU inc. Eventbrite page.
Incubator manager Pete Hitchings said: “The Autumn intake will be our fourth accelerator programme and we are already seeing successes of those that have been through previously cohorts.
“Member businesses are gaining clients, building brands and winning investment – in one case £250,000 of private equity. LU inc. offered them a host of benefits and we are now keen to hear from the next round of local entrepreneurs.”
Cllr Jonathan Morgan, Leader of Charnwood Borough Council, said: “The Council is committed to supporting the creation of new businesses and driving investment into the borough.
“It is great to see the accelerator programme is already having a positive impact.”