Two students using mobile phones

Design your future programme

Our Design Your Future programme aims to support enterprising and entrepreneurial University of Liverpool students by offering advice and the chance to win financial support for innovative projects, or to help you to fund and develop a business idea.

Are you a student that

  • Has an idea or the basis of an idea
  • Would like to learn how to bring your ideas to life
  • Would love to gain some expert knowledge

In collaboration with Santander, this programme will consist of 10 sessions delivered over 10 weeks taking place during Semester Two. At the end of the programme you can pitch for the chance to win a cash prize!

Each session will be delivered virtually by an industry professional. This programme will take you on a journey from idea to final pitch! There will be an opportunity for you to pitch your idea to win the following prizes:

  • 1st Prize - £4,000
  • 2nd Prize - £2,000
  • 3rd Prize - £1,000.

We will also have funding in place to help you register your business with Companies House at the end of the programme, as well as the opportunity to apply for seed funding.

The programme is also HEAR accredited. Each session with follow the same format of 45 minute's delivery, 15 minutes for Q&A, and a takeaway task for you to expand your knowledge and tailor your idea. 

Read more about our previous winners.

The Programme

Sessions will cover the following:

  • What is your idea/enterprise
  • Idea creation and brainstorming
  • Market research: who is your customer
  • Finance/accountancy
  • Legal
  • Marketing and communications
  • Keeping resilient and turning your ideas/enterprise digital
  • Writing a business plan
  • Building a network and sales
  • Pitching and presenting.

The programme will run every Wednesday from 18 January until 22 March 2023. You must attend a minimum of seven sessions to gain your HEAR award.


Applications are now open - Click here to apply via Handshake!

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