EY Foundation Step Into Business Programme 2027: Business Training, Six Months of Coaching and a £2,000 Startup Grant for Young Entrepreneurs

<p>Are you a young person aged 16–19 with a business idea and an ambition to become an entrepreneur? The <strong>EY Foundation Step Into Business Programme 2027</strong> offers young people an opportunity to develop their business knowledge, gain practical guidance, receive one-to-one coaching, and potentially secure a £2,000 startup grant to help turn a business idea into reality.</p> <p>Starting a business can be challenging, especially for young people who may have a promising idea but lack the experience, confidence, professional network, or financial resources needed to get started. Understanding how to develop a business plan, identify customers, manage finances, and turn an idea into a sustainable business requires knowledge and support.</p> <p>The EY Foundation&#8217;s Step Into Business programme aims to address these challenges by providing practical business guidance and support to eligible young people. The programme begins with a one-day interactive workshop covering the different steps involved in establishing a business. Following the workshop, participants who have a business idea can request individual business coaching for up to six months. They can also apply for an opportunity to pitch for a £2,000 startup grant from the EY Foundation.</p> <p>The programme is designed for young people who are interested in entrepreneurship, including those who already have a business idea and those who are enthusiastic about starting their own business but need help developing their plans.</p> <p>The 2027 programme will take place in selected locations across the United Kingdom, including London, Birmingham, Manchester, Bradford, Leeds, and Glasgow. Interested young people who meet the eligibility requirements can begin their application through the EY Foundation&#8217;s official application page.</p> <h2>About the EY Foundation Step Into Business Programme</h2> <p>The EY Foundation Step Into Business programme is an initiative designed to help young people understand how to establish a new business or social enterprise. It provides practical guidance, coaching opportunities, and potential financial support to help participants move from an initial idea towards starting a business.</p> <p>The programme recognises that entrepreneurship is not simply about having a business idea. Young entrepreneurs also need to understand the practical steps involved in setting up and managing a business. These may include identifying a business opportunity, understanding customers, developing products or services, planning operations, and considering how a business can become sustainable.</p> <p>Through Step Into Business, the EY Foundation provides a structured introduction to these important areas.</p> <p>The programme starts with a one-day interactive workshop that takes participants through the various stages of transforming a business idea into reality. It is intended to give young people a clearer understanding of what starting a business involves and the steps they may need to take.</p> <p>After completing the workshop, participants who have a business idea can request one-to-one business coaching. This coaching can continue for up to six months and is intended to help participants develop their ideas and take them forward.</p> <p>In addition, participants can apply to pitch for a £2,000 startup grant. This funding opportunity is intended for new businesses that meet the EY Foundation&#8217;s ethical policy or for new social enterprises.</p> <p>The programme therefore combines business education, individual guidance, networking opportunities, confidence-building, and the possibility of startup funding.</p> <h2>What Does the Step Into Business Programme Offer?</h2> <p>The EY Foundation programme provides several forms of support to help young people explore entrepreneurship and develop their business ideas.</p> <h3>1. One-Day Interactive Business Workshop</h3> <p>The first stage of the programme is a one-day interactive workshop.</p> <p>During this workshop, participants are introduced to the different steps required to take a business idea and turn it into reality. Rather than simply encouraging young people to think about entrepreneurship, the workshop aims to provide guidance on what setting up a business actually involves.</p> <p>Participants can use the workshop to develop their understanding of the business-startup process, explore what is required to move forward with an idea, and identify areas where they may need additional support.</p> <p>The workshop is particularly useful for young people who are interested in starting a business but are not yet familiar with the practical requirements of entrepreneurship.</p> <p>By the end of this initial stage, participants should have a better understanding of the steps involved in developing a business idea and the support available through the programme.</p> <h3>2. One-to-One Business Coaching for Up to Six Months</h3> <p>One of the important features of Step Into Business is the opportunity to request individual business coaching after the initial workshop.</p> <p>Participants who have a business idea can request a one-to-one business coach to help them take their idea forward. This support can last for up to six months.</p> <p>Individual coaching provides an opportunity for young people to receive guidance that is relevant to their own business ideas and development needs.</p> <p>For example, a participant may need help thinking through how to develop a product, identify potential customers, understand the market, or determine the practical steps required to launch a business.</p> <p>The coaching element is intended to help participants continue developing their ideas beyond the initial workshop. It also gives them an opportunity to receive guidance as they consider how to turn their plans into a real business.</p> <p>Importantly, the programme describes coaching as an opportunity participants can request after the workshop. The available information does not state that every participant automatically receives a coach.</p> <h3>3. Opportunity to Apply for a £2,000 Startup Grant</h3> <p>Another major feature of the programme is the opportunity to apply for a <strong>£2,000 startup grant</strong> from the EY Foundation.</p> <p>This funding opportunity is intended to help eligible participants take the next step towards establishing a new business.</p> <p>The grant is particularly relevant for young entrepreneurs who have developed a business idea but may need financial support to begin putting their plans into action.</p> <p>However, applicants should understand that the grant is not automatically awarded to everyone who participates in the programme. The opportunity is described as an application and pitching process.</p> <p>The grant is available for new businesses that meet the EY Foundation&#8217;s ethical policy or for new social enterprises.</p> <p>This means that participants interested in the funding should consider whether their proposed business aligns with the Foundation&#8217;s ethical requirements or qualifies as a new social enterprise.</p> <p>The programme information does not provide further details about the grant application criteria, pitching schedule, selection process, or payment arrangements. Applicants should consult the EY Foundation directly for additional information.</p> <h3>4. Development of Business Knowledge and Entrepreneurial Skills</h3> <p>The programme aims to increase participants&#8217; knowledge and skills related to starting a new business or social enterprise.</p> <p>For young people who are interested in entrepreneurship, understanding the basics of business development is an important first step.</p> <p>Through the workshop and subsequent coaching opportunity, participants can gain a clearer understanding of what is involved in taking a business idea forward.</p> <p>The programme is designed to help participants move beyond simply having an idea and begin considering the practical requirements of establishing a business.</p> <p>This knowledge can also help young people make more informed decisions about their future entrepreneurial ambitions.</p> <h3>5. Increased Motivation and Confidence</h3> <p>Starting a business can be intimidating, especially for young people who have limited experience in the business world.</p> <p>The EY Foundation aims to increase participants&#8217; motivation and confidence in relation to their future career ambitions.</p> <p>By introducing participants to entrepreneurship and giving them access to practical guidance, the programme seeks to help young people become more confident about exploring business opportunities and pursuing their ideas.</p> <p>This support can be valuable for participants who are interested in becoming entrepreneurs but are uncertain about where to begin.</p> <h3>6. Business Networking Opportunities</h3> <p>The programme also aims to enhance participants&#8217; opportunities to build business networks.</p> <p>Developing relationships with other people interested in business can be useful for young entrepreneurs as they explore their ideas and consider future opportunities.</p> <p>Networking can help participants exchange ideas, learn from others, and become more familiar with the wider business environment.</p> <p>For young people who are new to entrepreneurship, exposure to business networks can also help them develop confidence in communicating their ideas and exploring professional relationships.</p> <h2>Main Objectives of the EY Foundation Step Into Business Programme</h2> <p>The programme has several key objectives that guide the support provided to participants.</p> <p>These include:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Improving business knowledge:</strong> Increasing young people&#8217;s understanding of how to establish a new business or social enterprise.</li> <li><strong>Developing entrepreneurial skills:</strong> Helping participants understand the steps required to turn a business idea into reality.</li> <li><strong>Providing individual coaching:</strong> Offering eligible participants the opportunity to receive one-to-one business coaching for up to six months.</li> <li><strong>Building confidence and motivation:</strong> Encouraging young people to pursue their business ideas and future career ambitions.</li> <li><strong>Expanding professional networks:</strong> Creating opportunities for participants to develop business connections.</li> <li><strong>Supporting new businesses financially:</strong> Providing an opportunity to apply and pitch for a £2,000 startup grant for eligible new businesses or social enterprises.</li> </ul> <p>Together, these objectives are intended to help young people explore entrepreneurship with greater knowledge, confidence, and access to support.</p> <h2>Who Can Apply for the EY Foundation Step Into Business Programme 2027?</h2> <p>The programme is specifically designed for young people who meet the EY Foundation&#8217;s age, financial eligibility, interest, and location requirements.</p> <p>To be considered, applicants must meet the following criteria:</p> <h3>1. Age Requirement</h3> <p>Applicants must be between <strong>16 and 19 years old</strong>.</p> <p>The programme is aimed at young people within this age group who are interested in developing a business idea or exploring the possibility of establishing their own business.</p> <h3>2. Interest in Entrepreneurship</h3> <p>Applicants must either:</p> <ul> <li>Have an existing business idea; or</li> <li>Be very keen on the idea of setting up their own business.</li> </ul> <p>This means that applicants do not necessarily need to have a fully developed business plan before applying. Young people who are strongly interested in entrepreneurship may also be considered.</p> <p>However, having a business idea is particularly relevant for participants who wish to request individual coaching and pursue the startup grant opportunity after the workshop.</p> <h3>3. Financial Eligibility</h3> <p>Applicants must be eligible for at least one of the following forms of financial support:</p> <ul> <li>Free School Meals.</li> <li>College bursary.</li> <li>Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA).</li> </ul> <p>This is an important eligibility condition. The programme is aimed at young people who meet the specified financial eligibility requirements, rather than being open to every young person aged 16–19.</p> <p>Applicants should ensure that they meet the relevant requirement before submitting an application.</p> <h3>4. Location Requirement</h3> <p>Applicants must live in one of the locations specified by the EY Foundation:</p> <ul> <li>London</li> <li>Glasgow</li> <li>Manchester</li> <li>Bradford</li> <li>Birmingham</li> </ul> <p>The programme&#8217;s published 2027 dates also include a session in Leeds, although Leeds is not separately listed in the stated eligibility locations. Young people living in Leeds should therefore confirm their eligibility with the EY Foundation before applying.</p> <p>The programme is location-specific and is not advertised as an opportunity open to young people living anywhere in the world.</p> <h2>Step Into Business Programme 2027: Dates and Locations</h2> <p>The EY Foundation has provided the following dates and locations for its 2027 Step Into Business programme.</p> <table> <tbody> <tr> <th>Location</th> <th>Date</th> <th>Venue</th> </tr> <tr> <td>London</td> <td>Tuesday, 2 February 2027</td> <td>EY</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Birmingham</td> <td>Thursday, 4 February 2027</td> <td>EY</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Manchester, Leeds and Bradford</td> <td>Thursday, 4 February 2027</td> <td>Venue to be confirmed</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Glasgow</td> <td>Friday, 26 February 2027</td> <td>Venue to be confirmed</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p>Participants should pay attention to the location and venue information when applying.</p> <p>For some locations, the venue has not yet been confirmed. In particular, the programme information lists Manchester, Leeds, Bradford, and Glasgow sessions with venues to be announced.</p> <p>Applicants should check the EY Foundation&#8217;s official programme page for any updates regarding the event locations, venues, and arrangements.</p> <h2>How to Apply for the EY Foundation Step Into Business Programme</h2> <p>Young people who meet the eligibility requirements can apply through the EY Foundation&#8217;s official application process.</p> <p>The application process begins by visiting the programme page and selecting the <strong>Apply Now</strong> option.</p> <h3>Step 1: Visit the Official Programme Website</h3> <p>Start by accessing the EY Foundation&#8217;s Step Into Business programme page.</p> <p>Review the programme description, eligibility requirements, available locations, and scheduled dates before beginning the application.</p> <h3>Step 2: Check Your Eligibility</h3> <p>Before applying, make sure that you meet all the stated requirements.</p> <p>In particular, confirm that:</p> <ul> <li>You are between 16 and 19 years old.</li> <li>You have a business idea or are very interested in setting up your own business.</li> <li>You are eligible for Free School Meals, a college bursary, or Education Maintenance Allowance.</li> <li>You live in one of the eligible locations specified by the EY Foundation.</li> </ul> <p>Applicants should pay particular attention to the financial eligibility and location requirements.</p> <h3>Step 3: Start Your Application</h3> <p>Once you have reviewed the requirements, click the <strong>Apply Now</strong> link on the official programme page.</p> <p>Follow the instructions provided in the application process and submit the information requested by the EY Foundation.</p> <h3>Step 4: Prepare to Participate in the Programme</h3> <p>If selected, participants will begin with the one-day interactive business workshop at their designated location.</p> <p>Those with a business idea can subsequently request one-to-one business coaching for up to six months and may apply to pitch for the £2,000 startup grant, subject to the relevant requirements.</p> <p><a href="https://globaleysurvey.ey.com/jfe/form/SV_9YMYXHRUHybmkeO" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Apply Now</a></p> <h2>Application Deadline</h2> <p>The information provided by the EY Foundation lists the programme dates for February 2027 but does <strong>not specify a separate application deadline</strong>.</p> <p>Interested young people should therefore visit the official programme page and check the application form for the current application status and any closing date.</p> <p>Because the programme has scheduled sessions in different locations, applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible rather than waiting until shortly before their preferred session.</p> <h2>Official Application Link</h2> <p>Interested applicants can access the programme information and begin their application through the EY Foundation&#8217;s official website:</p> <p><strong>Step Into Business – EY Foundation:</strong> <a href="https://www.eyfoundation.com/uk/en/programmes/step-into-business.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.eyfoundation.com/uk/en/programmes/step-into-business.html</a></p> <p>Select the <strong>Apply Now</strong> option on the programme page to begin the application process.</p> <h2>Why Young People Should Consider the Step Into Business Programme</h2> <p>For young people who are interested in entrepreneurship, the transition from having a business idea to establishing an actual business can involve many challenges.</p> <p>A person may have an idea for a product, service, or social enterprise but lack the knowledge or guidance needed to understand what comes next. Others may be motivated to become entrepreneurs but have not yet identified a specific business opportunity.</p> <p>The EY Foundation Step Into Business programme offers a structured way to begin exploring these possibilities.</p> <p>Its one-day workshop introduces participants to the process of setting up a business, while the optional coaching opportunity provides further guidance for those who want to develop their ideas.</p> <p>The possibility of applying for a £2,000 startup grant also gives eligible participants an opportunity to seek financial support for a new business or social enterprise.</p> <p>Beyond the financial aspect, the programme focuses on developing business knowledge, increasing confidence, strengthening motivation, and creating networking opportunities.</p> <p>For eligible young people in the listed UK locations, it can be a useful starting point for exploring entrepreneurship and developing future career ambitions.</p> <h2>Conclusion</h2> <p>The <strong>EY Foundation Step Into Business Programme 2027</strong> provides young people aged 16–19 with an opportunity to explore entrepreneurship through practical business guidance, an interactive workshop, individual coaching, and potential startup funding.</p> <p>The programme is particularly relevant to young people who have a business idea or are enthusiastic about establishing their own business but need support to understand the steps involved.</p> <p>Participants begin with a one-day interactive workshop and can subsequently request one-to-one business coaching for up to six months. They can also apply and pitch for a £2,000 startup grant for a new business that aligns with the EY Foundation&#8217;s ethical policy or a new social enterprise.</p> <p>The programme will take place in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Bradford, and Glasgow during February 2027, with some venue details still to be confirmed.</p> <p>Young people interested in applying should carefully review the age, financial eligibility, and location requirements before submitting an application through the EY Foundation&#8217;s official website. Since no separate application deadline has been published in the available information, applicants should check the programme page for the latest application details.</p> <p>For eligible young people who want to turn their entrepreneurial ambitions into practical plans, Step Into Business offers an opportunity to gain knowledge, receive guidance, build confidence, and take the first steps towards starting a business.</p> <p>Click <a href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a> to get more opportunities on OFY</p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org/2026/11/13/ey-foundation-step-into-business-programme-2027-business-training-six-months-of-coaching-and-a-2000-startup-grant-for-young-entrepreneurs/">EY Foundation Step Into Business Programme 2027: Business Training, Six Months of Coaching and a £2,000 Startup Grant for Young Entrepreneurs</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://opportunitiesforyouth.org">Opportunities for Youth</a>.</p>