Trailblaze at Northumbria encompasses three programmes, Spark. Shape. Start. enabling our students and graduates to be leaders in enterprise and employability.
Whether you are interested in employability and enterprise skills, have a business idea, or are already up and running our experienced Student and Graduate Enterprise team has supported hundreds of Northumbria student and graduate freelancers and businesses to start-up and grow.
Spark. Programme.
This engaging five-part workshop series is designed to help you unlock your enterprise mindset, discover new opportunities, and develop practical skills for future ventures or careers. Each session builds confidence and clarity as you explore:
Self-awareness and goal setting – Understand your values, motivations, and how to network with purpose.
Idea generation and business modelling – Learn creative techniques and map out business concepts using the Business Model Canvas.
Value and sustainability – Explore how to create meaningful, sustainable value using global frameworks.
Resilience in enterprise – Hear from real start-up founders and learn how to adapt, reflect, and reset your goals.
Understanding your market and customer – Dive into customer personas, research tools, and competitor mapping to shape stronger propositions.
Whether you're thinking of launching your own venture or simply want to develop key skills for today’s job market, Spark. will help you take your first step with confidence.
Shape. Programme.
Ready to turn your ideas into action? The five-week Shape. Programme is designed for students and graduates looking to take the next step in their enterprise journey. Whether you're refining a business concept or building a personal brand, this practical five-part series will help you develop the tools, confidence, and clarity to bring your ambitions to life.
Delivered by our specialist advisors each session focuses on a key area to shape your start-up:
Marketing, Branding & Communications – Craft your story, define your brand, and learn how to promote your venture through social media and digital channels.
Financial Literacy & Funding – Get to grips with business finance, explore funding options, and take part in an interactive budgeting challenge.
Legal & Intellectual Property – Understand legal structures, contracts, and how to protect your ideas.
Pitching Workshop – Build a compelling pitch and gain practical feedback to sharpen your delivery.
Pitch Day & Reflection – Present your idea to a panel, and reflect through peer and self-evaluation.
Whether you're preparing to launch or just exploring possibilities, Shape. will give you the edge to move forward with your idea.
Start. Programme.
Our Start. programme is currently being developed, this is for those businesses that have started trading.
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Please Note:
Places on our programmes are limited, you must be able to attend the majority of sessions.
You do not need a business idea or to be already running a business to take part in Trailblaze. You will develop the essentials to stand out from the crowd when applying for jobs.
International students can apply to participant in our Trailblaze programmes however due to visa restrictions will be ineligible for any funding opportunities that may arise.
To sign-up for Spark. and Shape. please click HERE.
