The BizSpark Program is a new global program designed to accelerate the success of early stage Start-ups by connecting them to Network Partners which are active members of the global software ecosystem who can provide mentorship, guidance and resources to BizSpark Start-ups.

Louise Marjoram, Senior Project Manager at the Institute of Applied Entrepreneurship (IAE)*, CUE Ltd, who will be managing the program said:

“It’s exciting news that the IAE is now able to offer its students, graduates, staff, and the community at large, access to Microsoft Bizspark as part of its broad range of entrepreneurial support and services for every level and stage of business start-up and business growth.

“We believe it is a valuable resource that can make a huge difference to early stage software development businesses breaking down barriers, reducing costs and ultimately helping them grow. We are now urging all software development companies from across the region to get in contact and attend our launch event on 2nd September here at the Technology Park to sign up to the Bizspark program.”

The program will form part of the wider Innovation University Enterprise Network (I-UEN) project that CUE Ltd are delivering on behalf of the National Council for Graduate Entrepreneurs (NCGE) which is supporting growth businesses in creating, developing and implementing business opportunities through open innovation and by using and exploiting collaboration technologies.

The Bizspark project is committed to helping entrepreneurs to transform their ambitions into sustainable, dynamic businesses and to foster innovation and entrepreneurialism and as such, provides Startups with software, support and visibility at a time when they are most valuable and least affordable.

Software Economist for Microsoft, Lars Lindstedt, said:

"We’re delighted to work with Coventry University Enterprises to support software entrepreneurs in the region. It is often from start-ups that the ideas that improve the way we live and work emerge - but at the moment life is even harder for them than at any time in the recent past. That's why we introduced the BizSpark programme for software start-up companies.

“BizSpark is all about keeping costs down in the most difficult time for new ventures, it's about giving them access to people who can help to solve problems and it's about creating networks of innovative businesses. It helps people with great ideas turn them into reality. As one of our BizSpark Network Partners, Coventry University Enterprises share our passion for software entrepreneurship and we are working with them to reach as many people as possible."

To be eligible for the Microsoft BizSpark Program, Startups must be actively engaged in development of a software-based product or service that is a core piece of their business model, have been in business less than three years at the time of enrollment, and have less than USD$1M in annual revenue. Start-ups may enrol for the program by obtaining an enrollment code from Institute of Applied Entrepreneurship. 

To find out more about this project or the launch even on 2 September, contact Louise Marjoram on 024 7623 6001, 07974 984283 or at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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For further information please contact Meghan Tiplady, Communications Assistant at Coventry University, on 024 7688 7076

Notes to editors:

*The Institute of Applied Entrepreneurship (IAE) is home to all enterprise and entrepreneurship activities at Coventry University and supports businesses and individuals become more innovative and entrepreneurial in their thinking to maximise new business opportunities.