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Henley Greenshoots Seed Finance Award Scheme

The Henley Greenshoots Seed Finance Award Scheme is an initiative led by Henley Enterprise Lab (HELAB) and supported by Henley Centre for Entrepreneurship (HCfE), with the aim to nurture and support start-ups.

Sponsored by Santander Universities, Greenshoots underscores a global commitment to supporting higher education and fostering innovation through financial and practical support.

Applicants to Greenshoots are in with the chance of winning £2,500 in cash prizes, awarded to start-ups that show the potential to grow and become sustainable businesses.

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Greenshoots is targeted at businesses launched by students and recent graduates of the University of Reading and Henley Business School. Particular interest is sought from businesses that have occupied the Entrepreneurship Hub and those who have previously participated in the IDEAFEST Student Business Idea Competition and the Henley Summer Start-Up Boot Camp that have gone on to start a business.

Greenshoots will open to receive applications on 7 April 2025, which this year will be via the Santander X Platform. A link to apply will be posted closer to that day.

The deadline for applications is 19 May 2025 and the presentation of awards will take place on 10 June 2025.

Greenshoots 2024

In 2024, the Greenshoots Seed Finance Award Scheme Presentation of Awards scheme saw six dynamic entrepreneurs awarded cash prizes.

Each of the six winning businesses received a £1,500 cash prize to help cover specific operational costs associated with starting their ventures.

The six entrepreneurs and their innovative businesses awarded today are:

  1. William Haresceugh with Aimful – A software business developing an AI-powered coaching app for employee personal development, offering 24/7 on-demand coaching sessions via voice and text.
  2. Tyler Koch with Invision Social – A social media marketing agency dedicated to helping SMEs create innovative digital strategies.
  3. Joe Newton with Lumera Solutions – A marketing automation agency focused on aiding small businesses in growing their online presence with custom-built automation solutions.
  4. Katie Carter with Nifty Numnahs – An equestrian products business known for its uniquely designed numnahs, with plans to expand into other horse accessories.
  5. Oscar Marsh with Samurai Strength – A gym-accessories business that has launched creatively designed wrist wraps, with plans to introduce additional gym wear such as knee and elbow supports.
  6. Brandon Bradford with Strive Social – A video production and social media marketing agency specializing in short-form content production for online coaches, course creators, and service providers.
Jurek Sikorski with Greenshoots 2024 students
From left to right: Jurek Sikorski, Joe Newton, Tyler Koch, Katie Carter, and Remy Foucher.
Online Greenshoots students
William Haresceugh (left) and Brandon Bradford (right)


Certificates acknowledging these awards were presented by Remy Foucher, Relationship Director at Santander Universities. The event not only recognised these budding entrepreneurs but also encouraged them to aim higher.

Read the news release about the latest Greenshoots Seed Finance Award Scheme winners.

Henley Enterprise Lab logo


Greenshoots is sponsored and supported by Santander Universities.