Turn your business idea into reality — join the Graduate Incubation Programme
- Written byUAL Communications
- Published date 06 August 2021
Graduates from UAL's Camberwell, Chelsea and Wimbledon Colleges of Arts have the chance to turn their creative ideas into successful early-stage businesses.
Now on its second year operating, the Graduate Incubation Programme (GIP) is open to BA students graduating in 2021, and BA and MA alumni who finished their studies in one of the 3 Colleges in the last 5 years.
Alyssa Becht, who heads up the GIP, told us a bit more about what the graduates can expect from the 12-month programme.
Why should you apply to the Graduate Incubation Programme?
UAL graduates explain why they decided to join the Graduate Incubation Programme last year and what they've gained from it.
Who can join the Graduate Incubation Programme?
Camberwell, Chelsea and Wimbledon graduates from all courses, particularly those with an entrepreneurial mindset who want to learn how to set up and grow viable businesses within a creative, supportive and autonomous environment. Successful applicants are required to address at least one of 3 core challenges via their businesses (either through the idea itself, or the business model): circular economies, social justice and responsible use of emerging technologies.
What can participants expect?
Across 12 months, the graduates and alumni selected will join a blended programme (both online and in-person) of sector-specific mentoring, workshops and talks.
We want all our participants to tailor the programme content by self-identifying their needs, and we encourage them to identify skills gaps they’d like us to help them with.
We host bi-monthly group sessions where participants comment and feedback on each other’s business progression, encouraging informal and friendly discussions. We want people to collaborate as much as possible – a team is always stronger than an individual!
Participants have access to a digital toolkit of online resources and a regular newsletter with job opportunities, events and funding streams.
At the end of the 12 months, you will be ready to launch your business or make sales and seek funding. You'll feel confident and equipped with the tools you need to succeed.
What are you look for in graduates who apply to join?
We’ve specifically designed the GIP for creatives at the beginning of their careers. Graduates who have no prior knowledge or understanding of business should come to us with their ideas and we’ll help build them into sustainable and viable businesses.
This offer couldn’t launch at a better time. We know 2020 and 2021 graduates in particular are concerned about the economy and their future careers, and we are here to get them ready to launch and grow their own start-up or practice.
I’m so excited to see the projects our grads have been working on and to meet the talented people behind them! I really want to see a diverse set of applications – as long as you think your idea could succeed and make a real difference in the world.
If you’re a Camberwell, Chelsea or Wimbledon graduate who completed your BA or MA course between 2016 and 2021, we want to hear from you!