Ignite Business Incubation

Supporting start-ups with high-growth potential through tailored mentorship, office and co-working spaces, access to essential resources and networking opportunities.

Business Ready

Experienced business advisers and growth specialists providing support to small & medium-sized enterprises with high growth potential. Business Ready equips businesses with the tools, knowledge and confidence they need to thrive in competitive markets.

Minerva Business Angels

Connecting ambitious entrepreneurs with experienced investors to secure essential funding for growth. Minerva helps startups gain investor confidence and access the capital they need.

Ignite Alumni Network

Connecting businesses that have successfully completed one of Warwick Science Park’s business support programmes. The Ignite Alumni Network provides members with continued access to mentorship, skills resources, and collaboration opportunities with like-minded peers through a series of networking events.

Access to Finance

Assisting businesses to secure the funding they require by providing expert advice on funding options, investor readiness, and customised financial strategies. Access to Finance connects businesses with grants, loans, and investment opportunities.

Techmark

Offering specialised technical marketing support for tech-based businesses. covering market research, marketing strategies and market development. Techmark gives businesses the insights and tools needed to effectively reach and engage target audiences.

From start-up to scale-up

Tech-based businesses can benefit from high quality interventions from the Science Park’s Business Support Service. Our comprehensive range of services offers complete support to help you start, grow, and scale your business. It consists of dedicated facilities and support for start-ups, a business support and mentoring programme for start ups and scale ups, a dedicated Access to Finance activity, a technical marketing activity and a highly acclaimed Business Angel Network.

We are dedicated to supporting new and established businesses across the West Midlands, assisting you in securing finance, gaining skills and knowledge, accessing markets, building networks, and starting your business on the right track.

Business Support Events

What’s included

For new and existing businesses

Access to specialist support

Access to Business Angels

Workshops and networking events

Our impact 2023/24

Businesses engaged

890

Events

109

Finance raised

£11.2m

Impact Report

Business Support FAQs

What types of businesses are eligible for the Business Support services at the University of Warwick Science Park?

Business support services are available mainly to tech-based businesses with high growth potential and on application.

Are there any costs associated with the Business Support services?

UWSP provides a blend of free and paid support services.

– Business Ready is a fully funded programme and free for qualifying participants
– Techmark services are fee-based. Every project is bespoke to a client’s requirements.
– Support from the Ignite incubator is provided at no cost; however, a monthly license fee is charged for each startup office and access to the Ignite Business Lounges.
– Minerva charges a small administration fee along with a percentage-based success fee from the funds raised through the network.

How do I apply for the programmes within the Business Support services?

You can apply by filling out our online forms, giving us a call, or emailing us using the contact details provided.

Can I access more than one programme at a time?

It is not uncommon for businesses to access more than one programme at a time. For example, a company based in the Ignite incubator might be fundraising through Minerva and getting complementary support from our Business Ready programme.

Business support