The enormous impact of Santander Universities’ support for entrepreneurship across the University was particularly evident at two events in November 2018. Product Design student Sarah McAnallen represented the University in the finals of the annual Santander Universities Entrepreneurship Awards in London with her Ezi-Sock design. Following the semi-finals in Glasgow and the one week intensive business start up accelerator programme for the finalists, Sarah was delighted to attend the finals in London in November. Sarah says:
This was an amazing experience which I would recommend to all students with innovative business start up ideas. Being in the finals was a great way to meet students from across the UK. The accelerator week was fantastic and gave me plenty of ideas about how to promote and fast track my business idea, taking it to the next level.
November also saw the launch of Ulster University’s first ever Student Enterprise Fund supported by funding from Santander Universities. Student entrepreneurs will advertise the vacancies for fellow students across all campuses who will be awarded a grant to complete the work. Students will also benefit from a range of support, tools, and guidance to help develop the venture and their professional and entrepreneurial skills. The initiative was launched by the Ulster University Students’ Union Enterprise Centre, a partnership service offered by Ulster University Students’ Union and the Department of Research & Impact.
Chris Shannon, Student Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Manager at Ulster University Enterprise Centre said:
Innovation and entrepreneurship are the driving forces behind every growing economy and this fund breaks down barriers allowing for students to realise their business ideas.
Ulster University has been working in partnership with Santander Universities since 2011. To date the company has donated over £1.1 million in funding support to enhance opportunities for student mobility, support internships, work placements and entrepreneurship. The Development & Alumni Relations Office at the University works closely with Santander Universities to ensure that funding is used to create the greatest impact possible.
Graeme Elliott, Relationship Manager, Santander Universities, said:
We are delighted to work with Ulster University to support the next generation of entrepreneurs and we look forward to even more success in 2019.