The Big Idea 2026

Our Big Idea two-day bootcamp is a fun and engaging event in which you will work on your business with the Essex Startups team and like-minded entrepreneurs.

This annual event brings together all aspects of business development, allowing you to solidify your start-up idea and prepare to take it to the next stage. You will have the opportunity to hone your business skills and interact with other students with an entrepreneurial mindset. We will help you to set goals to take you closer to your dream of becoming your own boss.

Following your participation in this bootcamp, we will provide support and mentoring over the summer months as you write and build your business plan. You will then be invited to pitch in October for funding to move your business forward. Over the two days, we will explore:

• Products and services within the business model canvas
• Strategies of how to sell and price your product / service
• Understanding your brand and creating a 12-month marketing plan
• Business planning, including cost structures and your revenue streams

This bootcamp is ideal for students and graduates who have been involved with Essex Startups events and mentoring throughout the academic year and are ready to begin creating a business plan in preparation to pitch for funding.

This is a two-day event. By signing up you will be expected to attend for the entire event. During the event you will be assigned tasks in small groups, so if you are not able to attend for the duration it causes disruption to teamworking and impacts the overall experience of others.

This face-to-face event will be held in the Innovation Centre. Spaces are limited, so don’t miss out and book your place! Lunch will be provided on both days.