The Enterprise initiative aims to develop post-study skills and facilitate networking opportunities among students, alumni, and businesses. Our goal is to support students in launching their own projects.
As a charity, our principles define what Enterprise means for OCA. Our enterprise work fulfils our charitable mission in two ways: by connecting geographically and socially marginalised communities, and by ensuring societal benefits in all our endeavours.
Enterprise Enhancement Scheme
The Enterprise Enhancement Scheme awards funding to eligible students that assist with entrepreneurial activities.
Applications are open to individuals or groups of students. Individual applicants can receive up to £100, and group applications can receive up to £150 (per member of the group). In the spirit of the Enterprise initiative, we encourage students to collaborate in projects and apply as part of a group.
-
The funding available can cover costs and expenses related to enterprise activities, whether for individuals or groups. This may include (but is not limited to):
- Exhibition/Conference Fees: Ticket costs.
- Exhibition/Conference Setup: Costs for setting up.
- Travel Costs: Expenses for attending the above events.
- Physical Materials: Art supplies, installation equipment, etc.
- Digital Materials: Access to journal articles, software packages, subscription charges, etc.
Please note that this funding cannot be used to cover subsistence costs, expenses related to OCA courses (including tuition fees), or to support activities already covered by OCA courses.
-
1. Submit an Application: Apply for the Enterprise Enhancement Scheme.
2. Wait for Outcome: Receive your outcome within 10 working days.
3. Receive funding award: Upon a successful application, payment is made to the student.
4. Complete Your Project.
5. Write a Case Study: Document your experience in a case study and submit it to OCA.
-
This scheme is available to OCA students at Stage 2 and Stage 3 of their undergraduate programme, and OCA postgraduate students. One application (individual or group) can be made per academic year.
At the end of your project or activity, you will need to write up a case study so we can see what impact the funding has had, and use your experiences to encourage others to access this funding too.
-
- Provide an outline of the activity or project you are undertaking.
- Include dates of when the project or activity will be running and any known/anticipated costs.
- Detail the impact you hope the funding award will have.
- Explain why you are doing the activity or project.
- Describe how the funding enables you to engage in the activity.
- Discuss how this will help your long-term aspirations.
Students can submit their application through the Careers and Enterprise section of the Student Handbook.
-
13/02/2025 – updated eligibility criteria
04/11/2025 – applications closed
02/03/2026 – applications opened