Funding opportunities and Student Enterprise competitions

The Student Enterprise team offer several funding opportunities to students and recent graduates of the University of Brighton.

Every year we host:

  • The People and Planet Prize, our business ideas competition for any student and recent graduate who has an idea for a new product, service, digital tool or community project.
  • A Student Enterprise Fund: START and GROW for any student or recent graduate who is trading as a freelancer, a small business or as a social enterprise.

To keep up-to-date with all our news, events and funding opportunities, follow us on Instagram.

Any questions?

Contact beepurple@brighton.ac.uk

People and Planet Prize

Do you have an idea for a new product, service, digital tool or community project?

The 2026 competition, called The People and Planet Prize, is inspired by the University’s Global Challenges. We encourage you to generate an idea for a startup, social enterprise, or freelancing service that you can turn into a viable business that benefits people or our planet. Tell us how your innovative idea tackles one of these four global challenges: equality and inclusivity, creative sustainable economies, climate change, or well-being.

Your idea will most likely be linked to sustainability or be a business for good – ‘businesses for good’ are purpose-led, contributing positively to people and the planet while still being profitable.

Send in your innovative ideas for a new product, service, digital tool or community project and compete for the chance to win prizes of between £250 and £1,000 plus pitch training and mentorship from distinguished external judges.

The 2025 competition is now closed. Details of the 2026 competition will be announced on the blog in October 2025.

Student Enterprise Fund: START and GROW

The Student Enterprise Team has launched two new grants programmes 'START' and ‘GROW’ – exclusively open to University of Brighton students or recent graduates (Class of 2024 and 2025). 

What is the START grant programme? 

The START grant programme is for at any student or recent graduate who is either looking to explore a new business idea, creative practice, social enterprise or freelance business or is in the process of doing so and needs funding to launch their business. 

You can apply for up to £300, and use a START grant to pay towards a range of early-stage business costs, such as prototyping; essential equipment; marketing activities and materials; website development; initial stock; software; intellectual property protection; training etc. 

How do I apply for a START grant? 

The START grant programme is now closed for this academic year.  Keep an eye on our channels for the 2026 launch.

What is the GROW grant programme?

The GROW grant programme, generously funded by Santander, is aimed at any current student or recent graduate (Class of 2024 or 2025) who is running a business or social enterprise, and who is looking to accelerate their business growth either by developing new products and services or by introducing new processes or ways of doing things.

You can apply for up to £1500, and use a GROW grant to pay towards new product development or prototyping; equipment; marketing activities and materials; website development; software; intellectual property protection; consultancy etc.

How do I apply for a GROW grant?

The GROW grant programme is now closed for this academic year.  Keep an eye on our channels for the 2026 launch.