Ignite is a free programme, funded by BCP Council's UK Shared Prosperity Fund, to help BU, AUB and AECC students start and support their business in the early stages.

Delivered by David Mutton from Poole based business advisory firm, Evolve, the course includes idea generation, marketing planning, accessing finance, and more. On completion of course, eligible students can claim a £250 grant from BCP Council to go towards their start-up costs.

The programme is available to students that meet the following eligibility criteira:

- HEI students (from Bournemouth University, Arts University Bournemouth and AECC University College) resident in the BCP Council administrative/geographical area during term time are eligible for support and grants (businesses must be registered/operated in the BCP area)
- Former alumni (HEI students from BU, AUB and AECC) who graduated in 2023 and still reside in the BCP Council administrative/geographical area
- For grants – students (and alumni as above) who complete an application; commit to a series of talks/workshops; and provide a 1-page end of project monitoring report with supporting evidence
- For students who have not yet registered a business and do not have a UTR number
- The programme is for all students. However, the grant and mentoring support is only available to UK students with a National Insurance number (as the programme involves setting up a business officially).

When the application form is active it can be accessed via https://www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/student...

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