Banco Santander Open Innovation | University of Surrey Founderships 2022

Funded by the University of Surrey’s Student Enterprise, Future Generation and Santander Universities, the programme will give several entrepreneurs £1,000 – 3,000 in funding they need to work full-time on their businesses this summer.

For the first time we also have a top prize for the most outstanding application. The winning entrepreneur will be awarded a £5,000 Foundership, generously funded by Future Generation.

As part of the programme, we will be offering two Founderships specifically for black founders (Black students and recent graduates within 2 years) and two Founderships specifically for LGBTQ+ founders (students and recent graduates within 2 years who identify as LGBTQ+). Research shows that entrepreneurs and businesses from these groups face barriers in gaining financial support and building their business*.

We want to challenge the inequalities faced by Black founders and LGBTQ+ founders, to create a more inclusive business community on campus and for the future.

There are several opportunities available and the competition is open to all. Winners will be announced at our end of year awards and shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend the celebratory event.

Those whose pitches impressed the judges most will secure a place on the Founderships’ programme this summer and along with their cash prize will benefit from:

• A dedicated mentor from one of the 20 business experts in our Student Enterprise network
• 2 x online, interactive group development sessions delivered by Career Invest all about personal branding, career confidence and inclusive leadership.
• A bespoke workshop on Managing Finances for Entrepreneurs by EiR, Vincenzo Roberti & Kat Mack
• Opportunity to win a funded year of membership to SETsquared Surrey, our business incubator at the Surrey Research Park (or alternative incubator if your business type is not eligible for SETsquared)

The workshops, which incorporate a theme of diversity and inclusivity are aimed at helping you develop as a business person and entrepreneur.

Important dates:

- Submit your initial application below including a 60 second elevator pitch by Sunday 8th May

- Applicants will notified on Monday 9th May if they have been shortlisted

- Those who have been shortlisted will need to submit a 5 minute video pitch by the 12th May

- There will be no live pitch

- Winners will be announced at our end of year awards event on Thursday 19th May - please pencil this in your calendar now as shortlisted candidates will be expected to attend the awards on campus.

NOTES: Founderships are very limited and so only those companies who have NOT been awarded one in the past are eligible. Those funded to work on their business for their whole PTY are also not eligible for this reason. Two Founderships will be protected for Black entrepreneurs and two Founderships for LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs. Funding is not allocated for purchasing of items, but to pay for your time over the summer. The amount awarded to each founder will be based on how well they pitch against the criteria which will be shared with the shortlisted entrepreneurs.

Applicants will need to be eligible to work in the UK and therefore those on a student visa will not be eligible.