Start-Up London

Idea to First Customer in 6-Weeks

Start-Up and Grow

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Start-Up London 2025

Join a community of London-based students and alums to ignite your passion in this special 6-week programme.

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Idea Feedback

Connect 1-2-1 with an expert to get personalised support for your idea and journey.

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Start-Up Funding

£500 for your new business – on us. Get reimbursed for expenses.

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What’s Happening

Discover other workshops, networking events, and more!

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Make your idea a reality in 6-weeks.

Apply before Monday, 6 January.

Do you have an idea and need a springboard to take you to the next level?
Are you seeking support and structure to grow your passion?
Do you want to network with others and be energised among other doers, innovators, and dreamers?

Start-Up London brings London-based students and alumni together in a 6-week accelerator programme - from idea to first customer.

No business experience is necessary. Bring your passion, hard work, and can-do attitude; we'll provide the structure, knowledge, and community!

Session

Date

Theme

Session 1 Wed. 22 Jan Designing your business to make money
Session 2 Wed. 29 Jan Identifying your customers
Session 3 Wed. 5 Feb Setting up the core of your business
Session 4 Wed. 12 Feb Finding and managing money
Session 5 Wed. 19 Feb Getting your first customer
Session 6 Wed. 26 Feb Talking about your business with confidence

Download the Start-Up London Application Word Document

Who can apply to Start-Up London?

Start-Up London is open to all LSBU students and alumni.

Regardless of your school, degree, time at university, or year of graduation, if you have an idea or passion for a business, you can apply.

All ideas are welcome – whether its for a business, freelance service, social enterprise, or side-hustle.

All stages of the idea and business development are eligible! No business knowledge or experience is necessary.

Why should I join Start-Up London? What’s in it for me?

Start-Up London offers you:

- An opportunity to express and test your passion or business idea,

- A 6-week series of exclusive, hands-on, and interactive workshop masterclasses,

- Networks and connections with other LSBU entrepreneur-minded folks as well as industry experts,

- Growth (and CV development) in entrepreneurial skills – like problem solving, thinking outside the box, pitching and presenting, leadership, and more,

- A pathway for available funding opportunities as well as fast-track access to LSBU’s incubator and accelerator programmes taking place year-round.

There is so much to gain – and win – by applying!

Have I automatically applied to Start-Up London by submitting my idea to the South Bank Ignite Competition? Will I automatically be applied to the South Bank Ignite Competition when I submit my Start-Up London application?

Yes! We have made it easier for all eligible LSBU students and recent grads to submit one application for two opportunities.

During your Start-Up London application, you may check the box to have your idea considered for the South Bank Ignite Competition. Note – South Bank Ignite is only available for current LSBU students and recent alumni (in the last two years).

During your South Bank Ignite application, you may check the box to have your idea considered for the Start-Up London accelerator programme.

Will Start-Up London help me with my South Bank Ignite Competition entry?

Yes! Start-Up London offers knowledge, skills, practice, and networks to support everyone – including South Bank Ignite finalists.

What information do I need for my application?

When applying, tell us (in a nutshell)

- what the problem or need is,

- how it is currently being solved,

- what your solution is, and how your idea or business solves the problem.

Don’t forget to also introduce yourself (and your team) and how you are in the best position to lead this business idea forward.

Download the Word document of the application to review the information requested, and to work on your answers before submitting the online form.

I have more questions!

LEARN MORE ABOUT MASTERCLASSES, EVENTS, AND OPPORTUNITIES AT LSBU

Connect with South Bank Starters

South Bank Starters is here to guide, support, inspire, and motivate you. Find ways to connect with the team and your community of entrepreneurial minded individuals. You can email us at studententerprise@lsbu.ac.uk.