Current students and graduates from the last three years can now apply for up to £3000 to take their start-up business ideas forward.

Through the EIRA project, this microfinance opportunity supports innovative start-ups in their earliest stages, helping to get ideas developed and tested. Applicants must produce a short video pitch (up to 3 minutes) and submit a written application too, the deadline for applications will be midnight on Sunday 30 June. Shortlisted applicants will then be invited to pitch to a review panel in the summer.

What is EIRA Microfinance?

EIRA are providing £3000 seed funding to students who have businesses or starting-up businesses. Th funding is provided by EIRA to help accelerate your business, their aim is to help start-ups to progress.

How do I enter?

You will need to fill out the application form attached. where you will answer key questions about your business.

You will need to submit a three minute video pitch, which introduces us to your business. The video should be submitted privately so ensure if you do it on YouTube that you make it as a private video as to prevent public view.

Criteria

The scheme is available to current students or graduates within the last 3 years of all EIRA partner institutions.

The student must have started a business that has a business bank account. EIRA Microfinance Grants can only be paid into a business bank account.

Applicants will have to demonstrate their right to work in the UK

Applications relating to the EIRA themes of Artificial Intelligence, Biotechnology and Digital Creative, or where there is potential for the business to grow in the East of England, will be prioritised for funding.