Resources to Develop Ideas

A canvas to support enterprising individuals to explore problems and ideas further in a structured way.  During 1-1 Support Meetings, the Emerge Team use this canvas to direct conversations and identify actions for further work.

An attached notes page provides insight as to what to include within each section. 

Please download and make edits so that you can personalise to your own idea using Google Slides or PowerPoint.

A very helpful resource to read before approaching potential customers.  The book uncovers what a good question to ask is, so that in theory, the interviewer could approach anyone, even your closest family and still get helpful feedback on your business ideas.

Equity free grant funding, the Emerge Future Founders Fund is open to all current students*, recent graduates (in the last 3 years) or staff that have engaged with the Emerge: Be enterprising offer.   

Three rounds of funding of increasing value are available to support problem exploration, idea development and launching a business. 

*subject to a suitable application as assessed by the Emerge Team.  Funding may not be available for those students on certain visa types 

Six award categories each with financial prizes supported by Santander Universities*.

The categories are:

1. Enterprising Project of the Year

2. Startup of the Year

3. Sustainability Venture of the Year

4. Community Venture of the Year

5. Rising Star of the Year

6. Enterprise Champion of the Year

*Categories 1-4 only

A MVP (Minimum Viable Product) is:

'The version of a product with just enough features to be usable by early customers who can then provide feedback for future product development'

A MVP is important for:

1. Proving your concept

2. Connecting with your customers early on

3. Guiding your eventual product

4. Making the best use of available resources and limiting damage

Why start a business - presentation overview from Keith Jackson (UoS Entrepreneur in Residence)