Start-up Hub

Get support from the Start-up Hub to start a business or become a freelancer.

Do you want to find out more about starting up your own business or side-hustle? Are you thinking about becoming self-employed or working as a freelancer? Perhaps you have an idea that you want to explore further – or maybe you’re ready to launch your venture or grow your fledgling business?

The Start-up Hub can help all LJMU students and alumni (who have graduated in the last 5 years).

From Architects to App developers, Coders to Craft bakeries, Drone operators to Dance Companies, Scriptwriters to Sports nutritionists, our experienced and well-connected team can help you validate your idea, understand your customer base and connect you to the local start-up eco system.  You can read about some of the successful businesses we have supported over the years.

We do this by:

  • Practical workshops and webinars
  • Expert advice and signposting
  • Meetups and networking opportunities

Book a meeting

Whatever you need from the Hub, a meeting with our friendly Business Adviser is the place to start. They will ask about your ideas and aims, and suggest a plan to move forward.

Book a 30-minute meeting, which will take place either in person at the Student Life Building or online via Teams.  

If the times listed don’t work for you, please provide us with your details to arrange a phone or video call at another time.

Please note
For online meetings via Teams, you will be emailed a link to access the meeting at the point of booking, but online meetings can also be accessed via the 'My Bookings' tab of our booking website at the time the meeting is taking place.

Workshops and Events

We run a varied programme of workshops and events designed to help with all aspects of starting a business or becoming a freelancer. 

Bathgate Boost Award

Thanks to our partnership with the Bathgate Group Ltd, LJMU are able to offer a £500 award to current LJMU students for fledgling start-up ventures based in the Liverpool City Region or the Northwest. Alumni who graduated in the past academic year are also able to apply. Find out more about the Bathgate Boost Award. 

General Enquiries

Email us at startup@ljmu.ac.uk and a member of the team will be back in touch.