Skip to main content Skip to navigation

50 Years of Warwick Enterprise

A new venture that uses crowdfunding to invite established entrepreneurs to support student enterprise has been launched at Warwick.

Called 50 Years of Warwick Enterprise, the initiative celebrates the University’s history of enterprise by creating a fund to help the next generation of entrepreneurs test their ideas in the marketplace, as well as a mentor scheme where experienced entrepreneurs can advise and coach students on their approach to launching their own business.
Student entrepreneurs create jobs and wealth, with student startups contributing an estimated £2.7bn to the UK economy each year. The support offered by universities is critical to this success and Warwick is aiming to play an even bigger part in inspiring new student entrepreneurs and assisting those who need to get their business to the next stage of development.

Entrepreneurs across the region, and particularly those who are Warwick alumni, are invited to take part in 50 Years of Warwick Enterprise through the crowdfunding website, Crowdfund Campus – itself a company set up by a recent graduate from Warwick. Through Crowdfund Campus, entrepreneurs can make a contribution to the Student Enterprise Fund, or pledge five hours of their time to mentor students. Once established, the fund will make small grants of up to £2,500 to help students test ideas, build networks or attend training events.

As well as offering hands-on support, the entrepreneurs are also being invited to record their own experiences and offer advice in a series of videos that any enterprising student will be able to access for business inspiration.
The initiative is co-ordinated by Warwick Enterprise Partnership (WEP), Warwick’s cross campus collaboration to support enterprise.

Quentin Compton-Bishop, CEO of Warwick Ventures, lead partner on behalf of WEP says:

Warwick has a great track record in entrepreneurship and we want to continue to inspire and support our students who have the drive to launch their own businesses”.

Steve Hales Lead Ambassador of Warwick Entrepreneurs Professional Network (WEPN) added:

“By connecting our alumni and local entrepreneurs with our students we can help students make informed decisions about their careers, as well as creating some valuable networking opportunities for everyone who participates.”

bulbIf you would like to make a contribution to the Student Enterprise Fund, or become a Warwick Venture Mentor, please visit the Warwick Enterpise website.