The BIPC Jumpstart application deadline has now passed. We are no longer accepting applications for our 2023/2024 grants programme.
Grants, advice and tools designed to help start-up businesses Jumpstart!
What is BIPC Jumpstart?
BIPC Jumpstart is a grants and support programme for start-up businesses. This webpage is for businesses in Cambridge City, Peterborough, Fenland or East Cambridgeshire.
We understand that the path to business success can be challenging. Especially for those in the early stages of their entrepreneurial journey. That's why BIPC Jumpstart is committed to providing financial assistance, and access to a wide range of invaluable resources.
BIPC Jumpstart includes:
- BIPC Jumpstart Grant: Grants of up to £10,000 for eligible entrepreneurs.
- Support programme: expert workshops and one-to-ones to help you gain invaluable insights and guidance from seasoned industry professionals. BIPC Jumpstart connects you with a network of experienced subject matter experts who can offer personalised advice to help you start your business journey.
- Access to Resources: these will help you to research your market, identify opportunities and make well-informed decisions when developing your business plans. We want to equip you with the tools you need to thrive in today's competitive landscape.
BIPC Jumpstart grants
Up to £25K in grants for capital expenditure. Information about capital expenditure on GOV.UK. Finalists pitched their business to our judges.
- One Platinum grant - £10,000
- One Gold grant - £6,000
- One Silver grant - £4,000
- Five Bronze grants – £1,000 each
Eligibility for BIPC Jumpstart grants
- Your business must be operating or trading within Cambridge City, Peterborough, Fenland or East Cambridgeshire.
- Existing businesses - the business must have been registered with either Companies House or HMRC, on or after 1 December 2022. Proof of registration should be provided as part of the grant application process.
- New businesses - if you secure a BIPC Jumpstart grant, you must register your business within two months of the date that the winners are announced.
For a full list of criteria please visit our Terms and conditions.
What does it involve?
- You will need to take part in at least 3 live* sessions from our Support Programme prior to the application deadline. Pre-recorded On-Demand sessions do not count towards this total.
- Complete and submit our application documents including our 5 critical questions, information about your business, and proposals for how you would spend the grant.
- If your application is shortlisted in the first round, we will request a cash flow and sales forecast. We can support you with this if required.
- A final shortlist will be invited to pitch their business to our panel of judges. The judges will decide who will receive grant funding.
How do I apply?
Please note that the deadline has now passed for submitting an application.
Accessible formats only
If you require a more accessible format, please see the steps below. Please read the following steps carefully as failure to adhere to them may result in your application being ruled ineligible.
Key dates for BIPC Jumpstart grants
- Monday 11 September 2023 - applications opened at midday
- Friday 17 November 2023 - support programme closed
- Friday 1 December 2023 - applications closed at midday
- Tuesday 16 January 2024 - shortlist announced
- Wednesday 17 January to Tuesday 30 January 2024 - 1:1 expert support available for shortlisted candidates
- Wednesday 31 January 2024 - deadline for shortlisted candidates to submit 'Business Plan Financials' document
- Tuesday 13 February 2024 - finalists announced
- Wednesday 14 February to Monday 26 February - pitch support available for finalists
- Between Tuesday 27 February and Friday 1 March - pitch day
- Week commencing Monday 4 March - winners announced at celebration event
Missed applying for Jumpstart this year?
If you are thinking of starting a business, we can help you with workshops, events and one to one support. Find out more about support from the Business & IP Centre Cambridgeshire.
Further support resources
- You can refer to the British Library’s Business & IP Centre
- On demand webinars - How Do I research My Market
- Borrow a laptop from the library
Exclusive offers for Jumpstarters
Matt Sadler - Level Up Print
I'm offering an exclusive print package for BIPC Jumpstarters.
Find out more on the Level Up Print website.
Paul Lane - Savvy Design
The Exclusive Offer for Jumpstarters! We're offering £200 off the design package, so you can get the perfect branding and website for your business.
Find out more at the Savvy Design website.
Cristina Vannini Goodchild – CVG Solutions
Our GDPR training, which is available through our user-friendly GDPR e-learning! platform, has been specifically designed to support small businesses in complying with the regulation requirements on training.
My exclusive offer for BIPC Jumpstarters, is 20% OFF the first module from the
GDPR Individual Module e-learning package.
Support programme
Please note that the Jumpstart support programme has concluded.
You can find our support programme events on Eventbrite, including expert workshops and one-to-ones. Gain invaluable insights and guidance from seasoned industry professionals. BIPC Jumpstart connects you with a network of experts who can offer personalised advice for your business.
What does it involve?
We have a full programme of free webinars, workshops and one to ones. The aim is to equip small business owners with the knowledge and skills to set up sustainable businesses.
Sessions are built around the Business Model Canvas (BMC) and include topics such as:
- market research
- business planning
- intellectual property
- finance essentials
- business pitching
- social media
We wanted to create as much flexibility as possible, so you are welcome to join any session relevant to you.
Some events will be in-person and others will be online.
Or join our mailing list to receive information as new events are added.