Whether you are planning to freelance, become self-employed or start your own business, LaunchPad can help you take the next steps

The Big Idea Challenge

Got a creative idea? Perhaps one that focuses on social change or sustainability? Maybe it's just a great business idea to make lots of profit! We want to hear it! Enter for a chance to win a cash prize!

Idea categories: Creative, Community, Freelance, Innovation, Sustainability.

 

The 2023 Winners!

The Big Idea Challenge will return May 2024.

How to Make Money Programme

Are you thinking of freelancing or self-employment? Maybe you want to start your own business or turn your hobby into a side hustle?

Learn all about this and more at our free workshop programme - starts 31 January 2024.

 

Book Now!

LaunchPad - how we can help you!

Learn through our programmes

LaunchPad Workshop
  • 8-workshops on Freelancing, Self-employment & Setting up a Side Hustle.
  • Cover the basics of what it takes to be an entrepreneur and build your confidence.
  • Topics covered include: branding, finances, sales and much more.
  • Happening in both semesters so you don’t miss out!
    • 4 October – 29 November 2023 on Wednesday afternoons
    • 31 January – 27 March 2024 on Wednesday afternoons
  • Book your place at the workshops now by clicking here.
  • A 3-Masterclass series on business viability and planning with bespoke 1 to 1 business coaching. All happening in April 2024.
  • Suitable for students/recent graduates who have completed the How to Make Money Programme OR who have already developed their idea and want to upscale their existing business.
  • Opportunities to connect with a business coach.
  • Register your interest in TTL by emailing launchpad@canterbury.ac.uk
  • The Programme focuses on three key challenges: building stronger communities, improving health, and tackling climate change.
  • The programme focuses on supporting ideas that promote sustainable ways or living and tackle the ongoing cost of living crisis and growing health inequalities, which disproportionately impact the lives of the UK’s deprived, underserved, and under-represented groups.
  • Register your interest for the programme here (Programme is open between October 2023 and January 2024).

 

Grow with guidance

LaunchPad
  • No appointment necessary, simply drop into the Careers and Enterprise Hub in Augustine House to speak with a member of the LaunchPad Team about your business ideas.
  • No preparation required, we discuss your business ideas without a formal business plan.
  • Bookable 1:1 appointments to help review your business idea and areas for development.
  • All 1:1 appointments can be booked by emailing launchpad@canterbury.ac.uk
  • Improve your business idea with the support of a business coach. LaunchPad can connect you with entrepreneurs who have worked on similar business ideas via our partnerships. To request business coaching support, email launchpad@canterbury.ac.uk.

Become business confident

Business confident mentor
  • Get dedicated coaching support to develop your business idea and make it ready to pitch. Including reviewing of key selling points of a business, financial viability and presenting styles. To get this coaching support you must have attended the Think it, Test it, Launch It Programme.
  • A chance for you to present your ideas to secure funding and make your business dreams a reality!
  • Funding for CCCU current undergraduate students can be up to £2000. Funding for CCCU postgraduate students and alumni is subject to terms and conditions.
  • In order to pitch at this event, you must have attended the Think it, Test it, Launch It Programme.
  • Pitch at a friendly venue, the Careers and Enterprise Hub in Augustine House. The event takes place in early June.
  • Plenty of follow-up support too once you have officially set up your business.

The masterclasses were great, they help you work through your idea and think of things you hadn’t thought of yet, and get the ball rolling..

David, Final year Graphic Design Took part in “Think it, Test it, Launch it Masterclasses

Give it a go and don’t be scared. If a nursing student like me can do it, so can you! It is a great experience that no one can take away from you

Belinda, Foundation Year Nursing Student Pitched at the LaunchPad Den

Further Support

With all the freedom that comes with working for yourself, there are also a number of responsibilities and important steps to consider. These can apply if you plan to be a freelancer, or if your enterprising idea means you are creating a new business. The LaunchPad Team offer a range of support. 

If you’re planning to freelance or be self-employed, here are some of the things you need to do:

  • work out your employment status
  • inform HM Revenue & Customs
  • learn how to record financial transactions
  • understand how to complete your tax return.

We offer lots of support and resources about self-employment. Start getting help by emailing launchpad@canterbury.ac.uk .

We offer support to students from all schools, all levels of study and alumni (up to 3 years after graduation). Being self-employed is becoming more popular, and we actively encourage students to develop their business ideas whilst they are studying, either as part of their course or through maximising a range of extra-curricular support. Alongside our online resources and workshops, we can help students gain access to key industry contacts to receive valuable mentorship, and secure initial business start-up funds via exciting competitions and business challenges.

Chiara Employability and Skills Manager (Student Enterprise Lead)

Having a side hustle is a great way to develop job security. I can only see advantages to developing more than one main source of income. It is also a proven way to help grow key skills like resilience, money management and confidence.

AndrewEnterprise Development Coordinator

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