Start-ups and entrepreneurship

Start-ups and entrepreneurship

Helping you forge your own path

Build your business

Supporting tomorrow’s innovators

Our entrepreneurship programmes have helped thousands to expand their network and explore and develop promising start-up ideas.

Create something different

If you have the ambition and drive to start your own business, Kent is here to help. 

Our ASPIRE programme runs business events, drop-ins and workshops to help you develop your skills and meet fellow entrepreneurs.

With our 18-week Business Start-up Journey, you can discover how to create an investor-ready business, from market research to finance and pitching. 

You can also take a year out to work on your business with support from in-house and outside experts.

Our extensive entrepreneurial support has inspired many students to launch businesses in Kent and beyond.

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Build and pitch your business

Our 18-week Business Start-up Journey helps you spot market opportunities and develop smarter start-ups.

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Take a "selfie"

With our Self-employed Year in Industry (Selfie) programme, you can start your own business during your degree.

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Think like an entrepeneur

Kent’s ASPIRE programme offers start-up events, workshops and workspaces for inspired innovators.

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Supporting ambitious students

More than 4,000 students have explored entrepreneurship through ASPIRE over the last decade.

Where ambition meets opportunity

Build your vision with ASPIRE, Kent’s entrepreneurship launchpad.
Learn about Aspire

Hear about Emay's experience

How Emay launched luxury streetwear brand Jehucal
Watch video

Why Aspire matters

“ASPIRE was a huge source of support for us at the start of our entrepreneurial journey, giving us the confidence to leave university and fully commit to building our business." Danika and Arshia, Bhangra Blends