We are looking forward to hosting the first Bath START cohort at the University of Bath Innovation Centre in October. If you, or anyone you know, has an exciting tech-based idea that would benefit from business support, then START can help turn that idea into a reality.

With access to 28 hours of intensive training and workshops, our mentors will guide you through the programme. You will have access to investment opportunities, networks and a chance to earn a place on one of the incubation programmes. This is an excellent opportunity to build a solid foundation for fledgling companies.

START is a free to attend and you can benefit from £1,400 worth of support. It is a West of England Combined Authority (WECA) funded programme, led by the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol), in collaboration with University of Bath, the University of Bristol, Bath Spa University and TechSPARK.

We are really keen to support community and ethnic minority led entrepreneurship through this initiative. Anyone that thinks “START probably isn’t for me” is exactly the kind of person we want to apply.

As Jonathan Knight, Vice President for Enterprise, University of Bath says:

Enterprise and Innovation is in our DNA and we are really excited to be helping digital and tech entrepreneurs turn their ideas into a reality through the START programme. The University of Bath is delighted to be part of this collaboration with the universities in the West of England region and I’m looking forward to seeing the impact this support will bring, particularly to those from communities that are under-represented.

How to get involved

It’s easy! Visit www.startyour.uk, then click “Submit Interest” and fill out the short form.

Start your journey, start your business, start your idea.

Key Dates

Our next cohorts are starting in Bristol on 21 September 2023 (4-week schedule) and in Bath on 26 October 2023 (6-week schedule).

All Bath sessions will take place in the afternoon, except the Induction and Session 1, which is a full day.

  • 26 October: Induction and Session 1: The Opportunity (morning and afternoon)
  • 31 October: Session 2: The Idea
  • 2 November: Group tutorial/coaching
  • 7 November: Session 3: The Customer
  • 9 November: Group tutorial/coaching
  • 14 November: Session 4: The Pl
  • 16 November: Group tutorial/coaching
  • 21 November: NatWest Pitching Session (optional for participants)
  • 23 November: Session 5: The Numbers
  • 28 November: Pitches (optional for participants)