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Entrepreneurship

Through partnerships with Strathclyde Inspire and the Hunter Centre for Entrepreneurship, the Union offers a supportive, hands-on environment where innovative ideas can truly thrive.

We know how vital it is to support entrepreneurial ambition, and we're here to help fellow students every step of the way. It's not just about starting a business, it's about developing the skills and mindset that will help you succeed, no matter where your career path takes you.

By tapping into resources like expert-led workshops, funding opportunities, and one-to-one mentorship, you can turn your entrepreneurial dreams into a reality. The Union offers accessible spaces that you can use to test ideas, collaborate with others, and even run pop-up businesses.

The University of Strathclyde's reputation as an entrepreneurial hub speaks for itself, and its partnerships with Strath Union are creating even more opportunities for students like us. Whether you're looking to take part in a challenge, explore networking opportunities, or simply build confidence in your own abilities, there's no shortage of ways to get involved.

Success Stories - Alumni

We are proud to have helped produce some of the University of Strathclyde's most exciting entrepreneurial success stories. Take inspiration from alumni such as:

  • Victoria Hamilton, founder of Recoil Kneepads, who turned her innovative product into a thriving business with the support of Strathclyde Inspire and Strath Union resources.
  • Melanie Blane, founder of White Rabbit Skincare, who leveraged Strathclyde's entrepreneurial programmes to take her cruelty-free skincare business from a dream to a successful company.

These alumni have shown that entrepreneurial success is not just a possibility, it's within reach for any student willing to take advantage of the opportunities offered at Strath Union.

If you're passionate about making your ideas a reality, or if you just want to develop the skills that come with an entrepreneurial mindset, we are here to help alongside our partners. We're not just offering advice; we're offering the tools and support to help you make an impact.

Black History Month - Entrepeneurship Spotlight

  1. Annie Malone - a legacy of vision, courage and empowerment

    Annie Malone was a woman who turned vision into victory. At a time when opportunities for Black women were scarce, she built her own path, creating beauty products that celebrated natural hair and self-worth. With determination and faith, she founded Poro College, a cosmetology and business school where women could learn not only the art of beauty but also the power of business and independence.

    Her success was never just about profit, it was about purpose. Annie Malone believed in lifting others as she climbed, empowering thousands of women to achieve financial freedom and confidence through their own work. Her story is a reminder that true greatness is built on perseverance, generosity and courage.

  2. George Africanus - rising beyond adversity

    Born in West Africa around 1763 and brought to England as an enslaved child, George Africanus faced challenges that could have defined his life. Instead, he redefined them. Granted his freedom as a young man in Nottingham, he refused to let prejudice or circumstance limit his potential. Through hard work, intelligence, and resilience, he built a life of purpose and success.

    In 1788, George established his own business, becoming one of Britain’s first Black entrepreneurs. He founded the Africanus Register of Servants, connecting employers with skilled workers. His business thrived, and he earned respect as a property owner and community figure at a time when few black people in Britain had such opportunities.

    George Africanus’s story is one of courage and determination, a testament to the power of self-belief and perseverance. Against all odds, he turned adversity into achievement and left behind a legacy of dignity, strength, and inspiration.

  3. Ignatius Sancho - a symphony of strength and spirit

    Born on a slave ship in 1729 and enslaved as a child in England, Ignatius Sancho taught himself to read and write. He became a writer, composer, and one of the first known Black British people to vote in a parliamentary election. His music earned large amounts of admiration in 18th-century London society, with each of his compositions not only being art but also a melody of resilience in a world that sought to silence him.

    As the owner of a grocery shop in Westminster, Sancho built both livelihood and legacy. His shop became a meeting place for intellectuals and abolitionists, where conversation and conviction intertwined. Through his writings and his art, Ignatius Sancho gave voice to dignity, reason, and humanity.

    His life reminds us that true greatness lies not in circumstance, but in courage, the courage to create, to think freely, and to rise above the limits imposed by the world.

Entrepreneurial Support

Our collaborative approach to entrepreneurship, in partnership with Strathclyde Inspire and the Hunter Centre for Entrepreneurship, provides a dynamic platform for students to explore and grow their entrepreneurial potential. Explore how we support entrepreneurial ambitions:

  1. Practical Resources and Mentorship

    We offer a wealth of resources designed to turn your entrepreneurial ideas into a reality. Whether you're just beginning or already working on a project, we provide:

  2. Using Strath Union Spaces

    We believe in offering more than just advice. Our dedicated entrepreneurial spaces provide students with the perfect environment to innovate and collaborate. Whether you need a space to brainstorm ideas or test your product, our commercial spaces, such as The Terrace, offer ideal locations for pop-up businesses and events.

    Students can use these spaces to: test products and ideas in a real-world environment, collaborate with like-minded individuals in a creative space or host pop-up events to gain visibility and customer feedback.

  3. Inspire and the Hunter Centre for Entrepreneurship

    Strathclyde Inspire and the Hunter Centre for Entrepreneurship are essential partners in supporting student entrepreneurs.

    Strathclyde Inspire is open to all students, staff, and alumni, providing the tools to explore entrepreneurial potential, create new ventures, and develop intellectual property.

    The Hunter Centre for Entrepreneurship is known for its world-class academic programmes and research, providing both undergraduate and postgraduate students with insights into entrepreneurship, strategy, and innovation.

    These partnerships ensure that students have access to high-quality education, research opportunities, and professional networks to help them succeed in the entrepreneurial world.

  4. Competitions and Challenges

    The University of Strathclyde and Strath Union encourage students to get involved in entrepreneurial competitions, such as the Exploring Entrepreneurship Challenge. These competitions offer hands-on opportunities to pitch ideas, collaborate with others, and even win funding to launch your venture.

    Whether it's through the £2K prize fund or simply the chance to refine your ideas, these challenges are invaluable in building entrepreneurial experience.

    Find out more

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