SENTREPRENEUR
DIFFERENT MINDS. BIG IDEAS. BRIGHTER FUTURES.
Turn your ideas into opportunities with our Sentrepreneur Programme. Designed for neurodivergent individuals, our business incubator provides practical workshops, expert mentoring and personalised support to help you build confidence, start a business and explore self-employment.
SUPPORTING NEURODIVERGENT ENTREPRENEURS
Origionally funded by Essex County Council, the Sentrepreneur Programme began as a pilot initiative to help neurodivergent individuals explore self-employment and entrepreneurship, creating new opportunities for those who face challenges accessing traditional employment.
With an estimated 1 in 5 entrepreneurs being neurodivergent, many still face barriers to traditional employment and rely on Universal Credit for financial support and stability.
Through our specialist business incubator programmes, we help neurodivergent individuals develop business ideas, build confidence, access mentoring and gain practical skills to create sustainable businesses, achieve greater independence and build a better future.
Turning Ideas into Opportunities
Our Sentrepreneur Programme supports neurodivergent individuals looking to explore entrepreneurship and self-employment. Through our Start and Launch incubator programmes, we provide practical business training, expert mentoring and personalised support to help turn ideas into sustainable businesses and greater independence.
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YOUR FIRST STEP INTO ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Have a business idea but don’t know where to begin? Our START Programme helps neurodivergent young people explore entrepreneurship, develop practical business skills and build the confidence to turn their ideas into real opportunities.
Through interactive workshops, personalised mentoring and hands-on activities, you’ll learn how to develop, test and present your business idea in a supportive environment.
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10 Weeks
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6 Modules
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Mentoring & Support
What's Included:
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Business planning and idea validation
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Market research and customer discovery
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Financial planning and budgeting
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Personalised mentoring and guidance
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Pitching and presentation skills
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Final Demo Day and business pitch
START Programme – Module Breakdown
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Module 1 – Validate Your Business Idea
📍 In-person at The Hub
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Module 2 – Build Your Business
📍 In-person at The Hub
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Module 3 – Know Your Numbers
📍 In-person at The Hub
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Module 4 – Sell Your Vision
📍 In-person at The Hub
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Module 5 – Launch Preparation & Setup
📍 In-person at The Hub
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Demo Day – Pitch to Panel
📍 In-person at The Hub
Turn Your Business Idea into Reality?
FROM BUSINESS IDEA TO REAL-WORLD SUCCESS
Ready to take your business idea to the next level? Our LAUNCH Programme helps neurodivergent entrepreneurs turn their ideas into real businesses through practical workshops, expert mentoring and hands-on support.
Learn how to build your brand, create a website, attract customers and use digital tools to grow your business. Whether you’re just getting started or already developing your idea, we’ll help you take the next step with confidence.
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10 Weeks
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6 Modules
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Mentoring & Support
What's Included:
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Business branding and marketing
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Website creation and digital skills
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Social media and online visibility
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Customer acquisition and sales
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AI tools and business automation
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Business pitching and presentation skills
LAUNCH Programme – Module Breakdown
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Module 1 – Branding & Marketing
📍 In-person at The Hub
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Module 2 – Build Your Digital Presence
📍 In-person at The Hub
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Module 3 – Get Found Online
📍 In-person at The Hub
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Module 4 – Win Your First Customer
📍 In-person at The Hub
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Module 5 – AI & Automation
📍 In-person at The Hub
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Module 6 – Pitch Your Idea
📍 In-person at The Hub
Bring Your Vision to Life?
Your Entrepreneurship Hub
Whether you’re exploring your first business idea or preparing to launch, our Enterprise Hub provides a supportive space to learn, connect and grow. Access practical workshops, expert mentoring, business resources and a community that understands your journey.
Who It's For
Our SENtrepreneur Programme supports neurodivergent young people aged 16–25 who want to explore self-employment, develop business skills or turn their ideas into reality. Through our START and LAUNCH programmes, we provide flexible learning, practical workshops and personalised mentoring.
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You're aged 16-25 and neurodivergent (autistic, ADHD, dyslexic, or other)
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You're curious about self-employment but have no idea where to start
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Traditional work environments haven't worked for you
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You have interests or skills but don't know how to turn them into income
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You want to meet others who understand what it's like to be neurodivergent
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You're looking for a flexible, supportive learning environment
Business Coaching Included!
Practical workshops • Expert mentoring • Business resources • Peer support • Access to creative facilities
Where Our Start Programme Grads Are Now
“Before joining Underdog, I struggled with confidence and being around groups of people. Now I’m helping others, leading sessions and starting to believe in what I can achieve.”
Jake
Finding Confidence
“Underdog helped me realise that my creativity could become something more. I’ve gained confidence, developed new skills and I’m now working towards launching my own podcast.
Assunta
Creativity into Opportunity
“Before Underdog, I wasn’t sure what direction to take. Now I’ve discovered my creativity, developed new skills and gained the confidence to start building something of my own.”
Jake
Discovering My Future
Young people supported
Improved confidence
Hours of workshops delivered
Together, we’re building confidence, creating opportunities and changing lives.
Ready to Get Started?
Joining the Sentrepreneur Programmes is easy. We run cohorts throughout the year, and there’s no formal application process — just reach out and we’ll have a chat about whether it’s the right fit for you.
CASE STUDIES
Stories and outcomes showing how UCS supports young people’s confidence, skills and personal development.
OUR APPROACH
Purposeful projects, practical learning and individual support put creativity at the heart of young people’s development.
SAFEGUARDING
UCS safeguarding policies, support contacts and procedures for protecting young people and raising concerns.
OUR TEAM
Meet the people behind UCS and discover the experience and dedication they bring to supporting young people.
VISIT UDCS
Parents, schools and funders are welcome to explore the studio, meet the team and discover how UCS supports young people through creative learning, practical skills and personal development.
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Inclusive Environment
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Creative Facilities
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Supportive Team
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Practical Learning