Business Founder Pathway
The Founder Pathway is an exclusive, intensive extra-curricular programme designed to transform you from an aspiring student into an action-oriented entrepreneur.
This programme is a defining moment in your university career.
This isn't just about winning an award for a great idea; it's about giving you the skills, mindset, and confidence to build a real, successful business.
We'll equip you with the practical knowledge and entrepreneurial attributes you need to succeed, all while working alongside a select group of motivated peers.
Learn from successful CEO's in our Start-up Studio.
What You'll Get From the Pathway
- You will receive expert training and experiential learning from proven, external business leaders and advisors. This will include hands-on exercises, discussions, and practical application
- You will be be part of an exclusive cohort of 10 likeminded students going on this journey together. This is a limited opportunity so take the opportunity and make the most out it
- Each participant will create a personalised Founder Development Plan, with actionable steps, alongside homework activities to help continue your journey
- Gain access to a supportive network, including being in dedicated working group chat and an in-person networking visit to Sheffield Tech Parks
- Potential to identify a new business idea that would go through early validation
- The potential for onward mentorship from University Alumni, for those who actively begin developing a new venture
- Our training days and the course design is delivered by proven business leaders from the South Yorkshire region. They are Founders with a deep understanding of the business lifecycle who have built, scaled, gained investment and exited businesses. They are here to show you want is needed to do the same.
- The course content will help you uncover your own business potential as a founder, whilst it includes key topics and learning to give you the confidence to take action, such as: Objective Setting, Problems and Opportunities, Customers and Product Market Fit, Networking and building your business ecosystem, and Raising Investment
- Through a cohort delivery approach, you will work and learn in a group setting, as pairs and be expected to work independently as you progress your own Founder Development Plan.
- Through completing the Founder Development Plan you will complete practical activities and tasks to hone your entrepreneurial skillset and behaviours
- You will have more self awareness and a better understanding of your personal objectives
- You will see opportunities in a new way
- Seeds of ideas will begin to form - it's down to you to take action
What's the commitment?
Emerge put time, planning and cost into this programme to make it the best we can for our dedicated cohort, therefore we ask for a strong commitment from you in return.
Participants must be available for two full days of training, a mid point meeting with the Emerge team, plus an external trip to Sheffield Tech Parks. You must also commit to working on a founder development plan throughout the programme. There are only 10 spaces in our cohort, if you can't commit to the dates below, please don't apply this time.
Applications open: Wednesday 7th January
Deadline to apply: Midnight Tuesday 3rd February
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Training Day 1: Thursday 12th February
Training Day 2: Thursday 12th March
Plus
Independent work on Founder Development Plan
External site visit: 19th February
Mid-point meeting: 26th February
Dates and times subject to change depending on participants availability.
Are You The Right Fit?
This pathway is for those with a genuine passion to become a founder.
We’re not looking for perfect business plans—we’re looking for ambitious, proactive, and teachable individuals. We want to see your motivation, your problem-solving skills, and your willingness to learn and grow.
Places are limited. With only 10 places available we'll be choosing the cohort carefully.
We'll assess your experiences, motivations, and potential to ensure we select the best candidates. You must be available for two full-day workshops and two interim meet-ups, in addition to committing to your Founder Development Plan.
This is your chance to step ahead of the pack. Are you ready to take the next step and transform your future?
Submit your request
