Aspiring business owners in Lancaster have just one month to apply for £5,000 business award

Lancaster entrepreneurs can apply for a £5,000 business award as Lancaster University opens applications for its Work in Progress Enterprise Awards 2026.

The scheme is aimed at students, graduates and early-stage founders who are developing business ideas and want support to take them further.

Applications open today, May 11, and entrants have four weeks to put themselves forward before the deadline at midday on Monday June 8.

For aspiring business owners across Lancaster and the surrounding area, the award could offer a useful boost at a time when starting and growing a company remains challenging.

A £5,000 prize may not remove every obstacle but for an early-stage founder it can help fund product development, marketing, equipment, research, website improvements or professional advice.

Applicants are expected to submit an online form, along with a pitch deck, business model canvas, CVs, a two-year financial plan and a company logo. After the deadline, applications will be reviewed between June 8 and 12 , with six finalists selected to progress.

Anyone considering applying should use the next four weeks carefully. They should test their idea with potential customers, review their costs, refine their pitch, prepare realistic financial forecasts and make sure their application clearly explains how the £5,000 would be used.

For details on how to apply and further information, go to https://www.lancaster.ac.uk/work-in-progress/news/work-in-progress-enterprise-awards-2026