Programmes and events
Start Up Survey: Help us to help you!
Have you started your own business since July 2023? If yes, we can help. Please fill in the quick survey here. Also if you would like any support from the team do not hesitate to contact us enterprise@dmu.ac.uk.
DMU Made : Creative Industries programme
Now in its third year, DMU Made is back! Starting in April with a fresh series of workshops, each focusing on various areas of the creative industries. From freelancing in theatre to exploring music and podcasting, there's something for everyone.
The programme is designed to educate DMU students and recent graduates on the benefits of self-employment, freelancing and entrepreneurial skills.
Sessions will take place on campus and in the city, utilising venues such as Curve theatre.
The full schedule and booking links for this year’s DMU Made is as follows:
Apply for a DMU Made Startup Grant!
Applications for 2024 DMU Made Grants have opened!
If you are sitting on an idea for a business, we can help you turn it into a reality with £150 start-up costs and free support. You’ll need to be ready to create your own website – but don’t worry, we can help you get to grips with that with our free Build Your Own website workshops.
Here's what you can spend your £150 on:
Website costs: You’ll be given money to purchase a membership to a web builder platform such as Squarespace or WIX with a domain name, enabling you to launch and run your own website. The great news is that Squarespace offer 50% discounts to students!
Social media promotion: If you have already launched a new website since July 2023, you may still be eligible for a grant which you can instead spend on online promotion. This will need to be evidenced.
Registering your business: The funding will enable you to register yourself as a Sole Trader via HMRC.
If you have a business idea you’d like to launch online, please apply for a DMU Made Grant via the form here.
If you are successful in receiving a grant, you must be able to evidence that you have spent it and launched your website within 30 days and no later than 20 July, 2024. More details can be found in the terms and conditions below.
Terms & Conditions
- On receiving funding you must launch your website within 30 days and this cannot be later than 20 July, 2024.
- If you are applying for the money for social media promotion, you must actively spend the money before 20 July, 2024.
- You will be asked to prove that you have launched your business idea online. This will entail you emailing evidence including a link to your live website.
- You will be asked to come and meet DMU’s student and graduate enterprise team in an informal 121 meeting so we can determine how best to support you going forward.
- Free online guidance on how to create and launch a Squarespace website is available here. You can also attend one of our free workshops.
- The amount of money you receive is a set figure, pre-determined by De Montfort University.
- You do not have to use Squarespace to create your website, this is only a recommendation.
- DMU reserve the right to decline your application for a DMUmade Startup Grant. There is no appeal process and our decision is final.
- You must be a current De Montfort University student or have graduated from DMU in the last 12 months to be eligible for a grant.
- You must be a home student or on the Graduate visa to be eligible.
Pitch2Win Monthly Competition
Following the success of our long-running annual Pitch2Win competition we are excited to announce we are now able to offer the opportunity monthly. Any student or recent graduate can apply to pitch their idea for the chance to win a monthly prize of £250. To enter simply complete the entry form.
DMU Made: Free Online International Summer School
Back for it’s fifth year is the DMU Made online International Summer School, taking place in August. There’s no cost to take part in this short series of workshops, which are open to all De Montfort University students and recent graduates, no matter where you are located around the world!
Join in and learn about the benefits of self-employment, freelancing, side-hustles and entrepreneurial skills.
Pre-registration is already open here.
DMU Made PopUps
We've teamed up with DSU to host a new, weekly PopUp Shop located in the SUsupplies Shop on the Ground Floor of the Campus Centre. Students who make their own products can apply for a free stall by emailing Andrew Reynolds. PopUp Shops are open on Mondays between 10am and 4pm.
Email opportunities@dsu.ac.uk to express an interest in having a stall.