Start your entrepreneur journey
Pioneer 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.
Applications are now open for the 2025/26 programme!
About the programme
Pioneer 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 is a hybrid programme with some aspects taking place in person and others live online.
When is Pioneer?
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.
- If successful, you will take part in a series of panel discussions with a range of awesome entrepreneurs, kicking off in early November.
- 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 one dates:
- Saturday 8 November, 10am-12.30pm – in person
- Monday 17 November, 3.30-5pm – online
- Tuesday 25 November, 3.30-5pm – online
- Monday 1 December, 3.30-5pm – online
- Tuesday 9 December, 3.30-5pm – in person.
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 into areas including legal, finance, marketing and more for your business idea.
Term two dates:
- Saturday 10 January, 10am-12.30pm – in person
- Tuesday 20 January, 3.30-5pm – online
- Monday 2 February, 3.30-5pm – online
- Tuesday 17 February, 3.30-5pm – online
- Monday 2 March, 3.30-5pm – in person
- Tuesday 17 March, 3.30-5pm – online.
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!
Term three dates:
- Saturday 2 May, 10am-12.30pm – in person
- Monday 11 May, 3.30-5pm – online
- Tuesday 19 May, 3.30-5pm – online
- Wednesday 27 May, 3.30-5pm – online
- Monday 8 June, 3.30-5pm – in person
- Live Pitch Final – June date tbc.
Apply for Pioneer
- Applications are now open for 2025/26.
- Please complete the online application form.
- Please include as much detail as possible to fully answer the application questions.
- Applications will close at 23:59 on 17 October 2025.
- All applicants will be informed if they have secured a place on the programme by 24 October 2025.
If you have questions, please email the Enterprise team.