The Cooper Project
Sheffield's specialist tech incubator for pre-seed startups | A thriving network of entrepreneurs
Our incubation programme, the Cooper Project, is a 6-month free residency in the Cooper Lounge open to pre-start, pre-revenue, pre-investment and early stage start-ups operating in tech and digital sectors.
One size never fits all which is why we don't push you through a vanilla package of support. Instead, our Incubator Manager will work with you to advance your business whatever stage you're at when you arrive here.
Whether you're looking to test an idea through the validation process, or get funding fit ready to speak to investors, us and our network of advisors are here to help
What’s the deal?
You'll get:
- 6 months free co-working space with free refreshments
- Assistance to help you develop personal development and business plans
- To join our community of over 50 entrepreneurs
- Access Tech Scale Advisors who can help your business to scale
- Access to events, workshops, and socials
If you are accepted onto the Cooper Project, we expect you to:
- Come to events, workshops and socials
- Attend the weekely standup each Thursday 1pm
- Engage with our support, including the EiRs and Growth Advisors
- Demonstrate ongoing progress towards reaching agreed milestones
- Work from STP at least 2 days per week
- Present your progress at the end of your 6 months
What’s the process?
Send us an email, and we'll send you a link to a short pre-application online course to establish if the Cooper Project is the right fit for you.
You'll have an initial interview with our Incubator Manager to explore the business idea and opportunities.
Once accepted onto the programme, our Incubator Manager will work with you to develop a business and personal development plan with milestones and dates.
We'll then arrange intors for you with our Advisors and people and organisations in our network which are most relevant for your business.
At the end of the 6 months, there's be an opportunity to present your progress at one of our regular socials. From then on, you can continue to be part of our community as a graduate business
Find out more
If you’d like to have a free 15 minute chat about our services and how we could work with you, feel free to book a slot in the calendar by clicking bellow.
Shedule a Chat
What's next?
By being part of the Cooper Project, you'll join a community unlike any other in Sheffield which works hard, collaborates and supports each other.
If you're ready to apply, select 'Application Form' from the Start-up drop down menu at the top of this page – or if you want to discuss first, contact us through ‘Find out more’ (left).