Skip to main content

Start your entrepreneur journey

Pioneer 1.0 Programme

The Pioneer programme is the perfect starting point into entrepreneurship, providing you with the insights, knowledge and a practice ground to succeed with your future business, as well as learn vital skills to boost your career.

Note: Applications for the current Pioneer programme are now closed. Please keep an eye out for updates on this page for the 2025/26 programme.

About the programme

Pioneer 1.0 has three key phases throughout the academic year, focused on developing your awareness of being an entrepreneur, starting a business and putting your skills into practice.

  • This programme is designed to help you develop the knowledge and skills you need to successfully start a business.
  • We're delighted to welcome a range of entrepreneurs and business experts to the programme to share their startup journeys and provide guidance along the way.
  • Learn new skills, connect and work with like-minded Pioneer participants, and get the right foundation for your entrepreneur journey.
  • Pioneer 1.0 is a hybrid programme with some aspects taking place in person and others live online. 

When is Pioneer 1.0?

The Pioneer programme runs from November to June with three key phases to enhance your entrepreneurship awareness, accelerate your skills, and apply what you learn on the programme.

Term one: Enhance your Awareness

  • Apply for your place on the programme - applications for 2025/26 will open in the summer.
  • If successful, you will take part in a series of panel discussions with a range of awesome entrepreneurs.
  • Gain valuable insights into the paths others have taken to succeed with their businesses.
  • Understand their motivations, journeys and advice on getting started in business.

Term two: Accelerate your Skills

  • You'll take part in a series of fortnightly sessions delivered by founders and experts, designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary to launch your business.
  • You'll gain support to apply your learning to your own business idea.
  • By the end of the term, you will have the ability to complete your Business Model Canvas and be armed with insights on the legal, financial and marketing strategy for your business idea.

Term three: Apply your Learning

  • This is your opportunity to put your learning into practice for your own idea.
  • You'll develop a pitch deck that can be used beyond the programme which you can continue to refine.
  • Prepare a short pitch and submit your application to be a Pioneer finalist, for the chance to take part in the Pioneer Final Event - Live Pitch to a panel of experts!

Apply for Pioneer 1.0

  • Applications for the 2025/26 programme will open in the summer.
  • For support with your idea, existing business or for other enterprise enquiries, please .