Are you a budding entreprenueur looking for a grant of up to £5,000 to invest in your business idea?
The University of Lincoln Students’ Union in partnership with the University of Lincoln is eager to find the next big thing on campus.
We have up to a £5,000 grant to give away to someone who has what it takes to start up their own business.
We want to invest our time and money into your business idea to help it really take off. By entering Swan’s Den you are able to develop your entrepreneurial skills and employability prospects.
We’re looking for talented individuals who can handle the heat in the Den. You will need to pitch your idea to a panel of experts in order to get your hands on up to £5,000.
Swan's Den dates
Applications for 2018/19 are now open!
Round One
Deadline for entry - 19th October
Half-way pitch - 15th November
Round Two
Deadline for entry - 24th January
Half-way pitch - 13th February
Final pitch for Round One and Round Two - 7th March
Any questions and to get involved please contact [email protected]
Success Stories
Adam
Probably Rational
“We participated in Swan’s Den in December last year, since which we have entered office space in Sparkhouse, the on-campus incubator, and employed two part time developers. The pitch was a great opportunity to get some very valuable feedback regarding our offerings to our customers and how we might grow in the future.
“We gained valuable pitching experience from Swan’s Den which I am positive will be useful for future events. I would definitely recommend the experience to any other entrepreneurs who are ready to get started with their business idea”.
Sam
Sam Cook Producer Ltd.
“Swan’s Den felt like the right opportunity at the perfect time for me. It provided a structured way to plan out my business, and I received valuable advice on ensuring success in the early stages of self-employment. The funding I received has allowed me to build a small recording studio without having to rely on loans or repayments as I get started up.
“My client base is now growing successfully, and I predict I will be full time self-employed within a year of graduating. It can be daunting going self-employed after graduating, and this scheme provides support, guidance and encouragement, as well as the funding to help you get started.
“To any students seriously thinking of working for themselves after their studies, I’d say this is too good an opportunity to miss! I love my day to day work recording bands and I can’t thank them enough!”
Chris
Auxilium Business Support
“So far I have found Swan's Den to be a positive experience as it has given me the chance to practice my pitching skills. The feedback I have received so far in the process has been very detailed, allowing me to further develop my business idea.”
Tom
Fresh Play Ltd
"I'd been apprehensive to start my business but the support offered by the Employability and Enterprise teams gave me the confidence to pursue my idea further. The Swan's Den team were particularly accommodating and quick to answer any queries that I had about the pitching process which was a huge help in settling my nerves prior to the halfway pitch. I received the feedback given on the day promptly afterwards which will be very useful in preparing for the final pitch."
Callum
3D Printing Futures
“Swan’s Den allowed me to take an idea I was passionate about and form my business around it, the provided Enterprise workshops give excellent support to get the business off the ground and helped me gain valuable pitch experience, as well as hearing the opinions of business professionals.”
Employability Skills
Don’t forget to log your Employability skills on the Skills Log from taking part in this opportunity!
Commercial Awareness – to pitch successfully you need to demonstrate a full understanding of your own business objectives and how you aim to achieve them, but also a greater understanding of the wider industry and any gaps in the market.Team Working – you need to be able to work well in a team to ensure that all tasks are completed in order to prepare yourselves for pitching.
Problem Solving – you may be faced with difficult questions or challenges, and need to be able to think on your feet of solutions to be successful in winning a grant.
Communication – you are communicating your ideas to the panel through a pitch and business plan, as well as communicating with each other within your team.
