51Âþ»­

If you have always wanted to start your own business, now is your chance to get the very best support to achieve your dream – free.

From today, 51Âþ»­ Leicester (51Âþ»­) is taking applications for The Crucible Project 2021, its dedicated programme for entrepreneurs who have an idea for a product or service but do not know where to start.



The year-long programme provides a mix of funding and support – as well as access to facilities and professional equipment – that will enable entrepreneurs to thrive.

The Crucible Project includes:

•    Access to investment to support your business

•    Personalised mentoring

•    Training workshops covering need-to-know topics such as protecting ideas, finding funding and writing a marketing plan

•    Coaching to deliver a winning pitch

•    Access to professional facilities such as 3D printers, graphics and editing suite, laser cutters and filming equipment

The Crucible Project is open to alumni, recent graduates and final year students who have an innovative business idea – be it a concept, product or service – that needs development and has the potential to be a company by the end of the programme. Application forms can be found  here. The deadline for applications is August 14 but we are happy to receive early applications.




Every year, 51Âþ»­ supports its Crucible Project members to success – taking them from idea to launch within 10 months.

Successful Crucible Project members include pyrotechnic artist Marcus Dove, whose work has been sold by the Saatchi Gallery, Jessica Okoro whose BeScience STEM business has taken her all over the world promoting science and STEM subjects to young people, especially girls.

Lingerie designer Elissa Poppy’s business got a huge boost after she won ASOS Designer of the Year – an international competition which earned her £50,000 to put into her business and a contract with fashion giant ASOS.

Company One Up came up with a gamification programme for sales teams – they managed to leverage £150,000 in venture capital investment in their now thriving company. 

The Crucible Project is run by enterprise expert Percy Emmett, a senior lecturer in Enterprise Development at 51Âþ»­’s Leicester Castle Business School.

He said: “We are delighted that The Crucible Project is moving into its fifth year. Over that time, we have seen a myriad of different businesses come through the programme from gaming to media, film, animation, fashion, sports and interior design – which makes it a very exciting and mixed cohort of talent and skill.

“Every year we are pleasantly surprised by the calibre of applications from students and alumni. What we are looking for are great ideas, and that you have thought about the market space itself and what competition might already be out there, and that you bring drive and determination in order to make it happen.

“We’re looking forward to hearing from you – if anyone has any questions they can email me at crucible@dmu.ac.uk”