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Calling all entrepreneurial final-year students, graduates, staff and alumni – applications are now open for places on Crucible, Â鶹´«Ã½ Leicester (Â鶹´«Ã½)’s award-winning programme to support and nurture new businesses.

The year-long programme is free and offers a comprehensive package of support including mentoring, office space, funding, monthly masterclasses from industry experts and access to a prototyping lab and makers’ space on campus.



And this year for the first time, Crucible is hosting a so interested entrepreneurs can work on their business plans and learn about the programme before submitting their applications to join.   

The Crucible is based in Â鶹´«Ã½’s Innovation Centre on campus, where dedicated office and training space is held for members. Every year Crucible takes up to 20 new businesses from a variety of sectors and supports both product and service-based companies.

It is run by Percy Emmett, senior lecturer in Enterprise Development at Â鶹´«Ã½ and supported by Lee Paxman-Clarke who has developed an award-winning digital tech business HEAL.Med to help children diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes through the programme.

Mr Emmett said: “Crucible is an unparalleled opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs and we are fortunate to have worked with some incredibly talented graduates and alumni who have great ideas.

“Our inaugural three-day business bootcamp offers a chance for people to immerse themselves and gain invaluable insights into business planning while exploring the comprehensive support package we offer. Whether you're a final-year student, recent graduate, staff, or alumni, this is your chance to gain clarity on your business goals and determine if Crucible is the right fit for you.

“However, we know not everyone will be able to attend so do not worry if you cannot make it. Applications are open and if you’d like to talk to us, we are here to help.” 

Its support package includes:

•    Monthly masterclasses and 1-1 sessions with business leaders from the worlds of finance, design, marketing, business management and more

•    Weekly catch ups with a dedicated mentor coach

•    Your own office space on campus

•    Access to the Crucible makers’ space to create prototypes and test product ideas

•    Networking opportunities and support with funding bids

•    Scheduled access to Â鶹´«Ã½ creative spaces such as glass blowing, ceramics and design

•    Seed funding on a case-by-case basis

It doesn’t cost you a penny, but you do have to be able to commit to training days and working on your business.

In the past nine years, The Crucible has helped more than 90 entrepreneurs to set up and grow their business, helping in turn to create new jobs and bring new products to market. Since 2022, it has also expanded to include free training for SMEs and microbusinesses from the city’s business community who are able to get support.

Keisha Brittle, of Keisha Brittle Glass, said Crucible had been a big boost to her business. She said: “I literally had no idea how to run a business – it’s all been really helpful! Most of us are in the same boat, and to go through the process as a group gives you that extra push.”

Jenny Simmons of Jennifer Lauren Studios said: “Being around other like-minded people has been a really positive experience.”

The Crucible is part of Â鶹´«Ã½’s entrepreneurial support for current students and graduates. Regular short courses, entrepreneurial programmes, networking events and Pitch2Win, which offers £1,000 for a winning idea, are run by student and graduate entrepreneurship team based in the careers hub.  

•    Can’t make the bootcamp dates but still want to apply?