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What is Emerge

is inspiring the University of Sheffield community to build business skills, develop innovative ideas and launch ventures.

Throughout the year the team runs a series of masterclasses, challenges and competitions to encourage students and graduates to be more entrepreneurial. 

Alumni Business Showdown: 

We want to celebrate your entrepreneurial journey and understand the real-world impact of your work. Tell us:

• How would this £1000 directly accelerate your growth? (e.g., product development, marketing, service enhancement, customer reach)
• What measurable difference would it make for your customers or operations?

This is more than just funding; it's an opportunity to connect with a vibrant network of fellow graduate entrepreneurs and showcase the incredible talent emerging from our university. 

Open to all sectors – show us what you're building!

Themes and examples:

Some ideas, but not limited to;

• Lead generation activities that will raise awareness and bring more customers to your business
• Community or social enterprise business that is seeking to run a specific event to consolidate existing customers into your offer
• Specific tasks that will build loyalty within your customer base such as personalisation, service excellence, acting on feedback or focussed collaborations
• Extend the reach of your MVP to more early adopters

Check out our to learn about how we can help!

Small studio, big dream - Establishing a Photography Studio in Sheffield

Jimmy Wong and Amus Tse

Local Business Industry

Sheffield Alumni, Jimmy Wong and Amus Tse have crafted their creative talents into a successful business in the heart of the city. The duo are chasing their photography dream by providing professional photography services to customers. Find out how it all started.

Application Requirements:

• Complete a short personal details google form
• Submit a slide deck about your business. 

The slide deck should include: 

• Clarity on your business offer and model
• How you started your business
• How the business has developed including your early traction with supporting statistics and figures
• Your future direction for the business
• The impact this grant will have on connecting with your customers

Selection Criteria:

• You are a registered business
• You have been trading for less than 2 years
• You have not previously been a recipient of Emerge funding.
• You are a graduate of the University of Sheffield.

Competition Timeline:

Applications open: Monday 4th August

: Wednesday 13th August 12 - 1pm

Applications close: Midnight on Monday 25th August!

Applicants informed: Thursday 28th August 

Post-Summer Outcomes

Once the money has been received, the following expectations are required:

• Graduate profile created for website.
• Updated activity on the use and impact of funds.
• Follow up communication with the Emerge team.   
• Sign up to the Santander Business Support platform.