The University’s Student and Graduate Enterprise (SGE) service provides free start-up support for Northumbria graduates (up to 5 years) who want to start their own business, be self-employed or grow an existing business of their own.*
SGE can provide free support to graduates at every stage of the business, from idea to launch through to scaling up. The unique service is based on bespoke mentoring and free office space on campus.* Specialist industry mentors in areas such as marketing, finance and legal work with you on a one to one basis to ensure advice given is tailored to your business needs. This is not just advice and can include tangible outcomes such as a set of terms and conditions for your website or a contract for your clients.
The bespoke mentoring service is complemented with the opportunity to apply for free office space on campus in Newcastle city centre.* The Hatchery houses a number of graduate start-up businesses providing a positive and supportive environment. Start-ups based in The Hatchery can take advantage of free facilities such as ICT, broadband, dedicated telephone and access to meeting rooms.
Northumbria graduate Chris Simson, Founder of Karma Computing said:
“The Hatchery provides a positive atmosphere to support businesses. It’s the stability of having an office and resource of other businesses in The Hatchery to tackle challenges together.”
Northumbria University is ranked third in the UK for graduate start-ups based on estimated turnover and the number of jobs created. (HEBCIS 2014/15) Northumbria has supported the development of more than 120 companies since 2011. The businesses we have supported to date have a combined turnover of £66.7 million and employ over 1,000 staff.
*T&Cs apply and free office space is provided subject to availability
