The USW LAUNCH - Graduate Freelance & Business Start-up Accelerator successfully lifted off two months ago, with 8 USW graduates with innovative business ideas shortlisted to be part of the programme. 

Kickstarted by the USW Springboard +Plus: Graduate Support Programme and Student Enterprise, these graduates have unlocked start-up funding of up to £5,000 and expert monthly business coaching to get their ideas off the ground through the LAUNCH programme.

Over 16 weeks, participants will develop their ideas, test products/services and launch themselves as a freelancer, business start-up or social enterprise. Regular group coaching sessions are being carried out to develop mindset and confidence, including appointments with a business mentor. 

Hear from some of the participants on how the LAUNCH Accelerator programme has helped them develop their business idea:  

"I applied for the Launch Accelerator Programme as it was the perfect opportunity to grow my business, develop new products and seek advice. The support of the Launch Accelerator team has been beneficial especially, the 1-1 mentoring. The funding is allowing me to further research, develop new products, packaging and running costs of my business. It has also been great having the opportunity to network and work alongside other business owners. This opportunity has allowed me to remain designing in Wales, I look forward to progressing with the programme." 

- Carys Ward, BA (Hons) Fashion Design

"This programme is providing 1-1, tailored support for me and my business, as well as group coaching sessions, allowing me to get to know a small group of other young people in the same business-boat as myself! My advisors have helped me so far with some business ideas and encouraged me to push my business forward, whilst also helping me with the more admin side of things like record keeping and taxes. The funding provided by the programme will also help me boost my business further as I will be able to pay for more advertising, and materials and equipment that will improve the overall quality of my work." 

- Catrin Membery, Animal Studies (Bridgend College)

"The funding is allowing me the time I need to focus on my business idea full time, without having to stress about finances and monthly living costs. It has also helped me to plan out effectively my initial start-up costs and monthly budget to keep the business going as it progresses. The advice from coaching sessions and 1-1 support I have received on the programme so far has been amazing and very motivating, as well as providing me with key tools and information I need to have the best start on my business journey."

- Holly Lloyd, BA (Hons) Photography

Interested to join the LAUNCH programme next year? Register your interest in the link below.

You must have graduated in 2019, 2020 and/or 2021 and be located in Wales at the start of the accelerator programme. Although most of the accelerator programme will be delivered online, there will be opportunity for you to meet in person with a business/enterprise mentor as part of the accelerator therefore you will need to be able to travel to one of our 4 USW campuses as a condition of being accepted onto LAUNCH.

Cheers,
Team #StudentEnterprise 😎