Year in Enterprise

Application process - 2025

Please note that the dates will vary slightly each year; the following dates are for the 2025/26 application process.

Description, and business model: submit by 6 April

A short narrative description of your business outlining what it will do, who it does it for and why it is likely to succeed. Pitch deck and/or Business/Lean Model Canvas to give overview of the concept.

We'll let you know our decision by 11 April.

Cash flow, supporting evidence: submit by 27 April

A short outline of your motivations for undertaking the programme and what you hope to gain from the experience. A copy of your CV and a cash flow forecast to determine your suitability for the programme.

We'll let you know our decision by 2 May.

Interview with selection group, questions and answers: 5 to 16 May

A ten-minute presentation on both your business concept and your personal capacity to deliver it. This will be followed by around fifteen-minutes of questions and discussions with the
group.

All undergraduate students who are likely to pass their degree are welcome to apply.

Due to the nature of the programme, you must have the right to start a business and study in the UK in order to join. If you are uncertain, please contact the appropriate bodies to confirm your rights as per your visa, we will need confirmation in order for your application to be considered. The International Student Support team will be able to advise you, but please allow plenty of time to make the checks before any deadlines.

There will be one summative assessment in the form of a reflective essay at the end of the year. Throughout the year we will ask you for formative reflective blogs to make sure you're on track with your learning.

You will likely still be eligible for a maintenance loan to contribute towards living costs during your degree. You are also permitted to work part-time during the year. For more advice please visit the student finance pages.

Setting an appropriate price for a good or service can be complicated. Should you be successful, this is something you can discuss with your business coach. For the purpose of the application, take some time to research your market, what consumers are willing to spend, how are competitors priced and what you would need to be profitable. Business.com has an article which may be a good starting point for you. 

We'll be running an online event before applications open where you can hear about the application process, the programme and hear from our current delegates. Contact enterprise@york.ac.uk to book your place.

• YiE students are required to fill out the Phase One Application form. You can find the form on the Phase One website.
• YiE students are not required to attend the pitch part of the application process. Once they have applied, they will be invited to the next available induction day.
• Access to the Phase One workspace is only authorised after attending the induction.
• YiE students are treated the same as Phase One members - i.e. use of workspace, invited to attend events, however YiE students are not required to have regular catch-ups as these are provided by the YiE programme.