Money, money, money. Money is one of those things that, when it comes to starting your own business, really comes in rather handy. If you’re just getting started with making your ideas happen, or are looking to grow your business, you might find you could use a little bit of financial support.

Well, luckily for you, that’s where we step in. There’s no need to try and scrounge off your parents or go nagging your best friend who, you’re pretty certain, owes you at least fifty quid anyway; the generous souls at USE can offer you up to a thousand pounds funding to help you out on your entrepreneurial journey.

We offer two types of funding, First Steps and Growth Fund, and both are available to current students at The University of Sheffield and graduates who’ve left in the last five years.

If you’re just setting out and haven’t started trading yet, then the initial £250 First Steps funding is for you. Alternatively, if you’re registered with HMRC and have been trading in profit for at least three months, you can apply for our Growth Fund – up to £1000 for businesses looking to develop and improve.

While you can’t use these funds to buy things like equipment – sorry! – they can be used for stuff like patent or trademark applications, promotional activities, software (but not Microsoft Office), web development and business mentoring.

Not sure you qualify, or want to know a bit more? Take a look at our helpful terms and conditions documents and our FAQs on the right.

Alternatively, if you’re ready to go and want to start filling in your application, you can find application forms and guidelines to the right, too.

To qualify for First Steps funding, you must first attend a Group Business Coaching Session. 

Check out our events page or email enterprise@shef.ac.uk to find out about the next session.