Start your entrepreneur journey
Pioneer Programme
The Pioneer programme is the perfect starting point into entrepreneurship. You will be provided with the insights, knowledge and practice ground to succeed with your future business, as well as learn vital skills to boost your career.
Applications are now open for the 2026/27 programme.
About the programme
Pioneer has three key phases throughout the academic year, focused on developing your awareness of being an entrepreneur, starting a business and putting your skills into practice.
- Develop the knowledge and skills you need to successfully start a business.
- Meet a range of entrepreneurs and business experts to share their startup journeys and provide guidance along the way.
- Learn new skills, connect, and work with like-minded participants to create the right foundation for your journey as an entrepreneur.
- Pioneer is a hybrid programme, with some events taking place in person and others live online.
When is Pioneer?
Pioneer runs from November to June across three key phases. Here is an insight into how the programme typically runs:
Term one: Enhance your Awareness
- Apply for your place on the programme.
- If successful, you will take part in a series of panel discussions with a range of awesome entrepreneurs, kicking off in early November.
- Gain valuable insights into the paths that others have taken in business, learning from their experience.
- Understand the realities of starting a business and receive advice on getting your venture started.
Term one dates
Saturday 7 November (in person): 10am-12:30pm
Monday 16 November (online): 3:30-5pm
Tuesday 24 November (online): 3:30-5pm
Monday 2 December (in person): 3:30-5pm
Term two: Accelerate your Skills
- Take part in a series of fortnightly sessions delivered by founders and experts, designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary to launch your business.
- Receive dedicated support to apply your learning to your own business idea.
- By the end of term two, you will have the ability to complete your Business Model Canvas and have insights into essential areas such as legal, finance, marketing and more.
Term two dates
Saturday 10 January (in person): 10am-12:30pm
Tuesday 20 January (online): 3:30-5pm
Monday 2 February (online): 3:30-5pm
Tuesday 17 February (online): 3:30-5pm
Monday 2 March (in person): 3:30-5pm
Tuesday 17 March (online): 3:30-5pm
Term three: Apply your Learning
- This is your opportunity to put your learning into practice for your own idea.
- Develop a pitch deck that can be used beyond the programme, which you can continue to refine.
- Prepare a short pitch and submit your application to be a Pioneer finalist, for the chance to pitch live to a panel of experts at the Pioneer Final Event!
Term three dates
Saturday 2 May (in person): 10am-12.30pm
Monday 11 May (online): 3:30-5pm
Tuesday 19 May (online): 3:30-5pm
Wednesday 27 May (online): 3:30-5pm
Monday 8 June (in person): 3:30-5pm
Live Pitch Final: June date TBC
Apply for Pioneer
- Applications are now open for 2026/27.
- Please complete the application form.
- Please include as much detail as possible to fully answer the application questions
- Applications will close at 23:59 on Sunday 18 October 2026.
- All applicants will be informed if they have secured a place on the programme by Friday 23 October 2026.
If you have questions, please email the Enterprise team.