The Essex Startups Grant 2026

The Essex Startups Grant 2026 gives current students and graduates the opportunity to pitch for funding to support ventures that are beyond idea and research stage.

If your application is successful, you will receive a grant of up to £3,000. See full details and the application form.

Eligibility:

• The Essex Startups Grant is open to current students and graduates (within the last five years) from the University of Essex.
• We will grant up to £3,000 to support innovative start-ups that are in the developmental stages of their business. Grants must be used within 12 months of being awarded.
• You will be asked to keep track of receipts and proof of grant spending at your scheduled check-ins.
• Applicants must have a registered UK bank account but do not need to have a business bank account at the time of application.
• In addition to completing this form, all applicants must also register details on the Santander X platform to be successful.
• This is NOT open to those on the Grow programme.
• Please note that this funding, as with all Essex Startups funding, cannot be used to pay salaries/wages, so please bear this in mind when completing your application.

Alongside the written application, you will also need to produce a short video, no more than three minutes in length, giving an introduction to your business/idea, and explaining what the funding will allow you to do. Applications are open from 2 February 2026 to 26 April 2026.

Please note if you are shortlisted, in order to pitch you have to attend a compulsary workshop at 1.30pm-2.30pm on 6 May 2026.

The pitching event will be held in Studio X at Innovation Centre on Wednesday 20May 2025, 10:30am-1.30pm. You will be notified if your application has been successful and will be given details of the pitch day via email.