---
title: "Arden Enterprise Incubator"
description: "Arden University Enterprise Incubator | Arden University"
canonical: "https://arden.ac.uk/student-life/arden-enterprise-incubator"
published: 2023-10-26
updated: 2026-01-19
author: "Arden University"
---

# Arden Enterprise Incubator

## What is the Arden Enterprise Incubator?

Whether you’re spotting an opportunity, exploring an idea, developing a prototype, or already running a business, the Arden Enterprise Incubator (AEI) helps student entrepreneurs make real progress.

AEI is a growing community of entrepreneurs, mentors, and industry specialists who support you to develop, test, launch, and grow ventures. Through practical workshops, expert events, 1:1 coaching, and personalised guidance, you’ll learn how to:

- validate ideas
- understand markets
- find customers
- build prototypes
- grow a sustainable business

Our support adapts to your stage and your goals, whether you want to build a business or strengthen your career with entrepreneurial skills.

#### Already an Arden student or staff member?

Access the full AEI platform, resources, events, and coaching:

[Go to platform](https://aei.arden.ac.uk/)

For other questions, partnerships, or collaboration:

[**Contact us**](mailto:bmcclure@arden.ac.uk)

![A Message from Professor Dilshad Sheikh](https://cdn.arden.ac.uk/s3fs-public/styles/quote_m/public/2026-01/Dilshad%20headshot_0.png)

The Arden Enterprise Incubator is about developing and nourishing innovation, entrepreneurship, and creativity. It gives all of our students access to expert support — whether they’re exploring a new idea or scaling an existing venture. Through mentoring and coaching from experienced entrepreneurs, students learn how to navigate the real challenges of business start-up and growth. Welcome to the future of innovation.

A Message from Professor Dilshad Sheikh

Arden University Provost & Chief Academic Officer

#### 1. Explore & Shape Your Idea

For students at the earliest stages — or simply curious about entrepreneurship.

You’ll learn how to:

- spot opportunities
- frame problems clearly
- understand customer needs
- build early value propositions
- create simple prototypes

Short, focused 1:1 sessions help you clarify your idea, avoid common beginner traps, and gain confidence in your next steps.

#### 2. Build, Refine & Execute

For students ready to develop and launch their first product or service.

You’ll learn how to:

- refine and focus your idea
- build your MVP
- run feedback loops and iterate
- develop your brand and messaging
- gain early customers

Regular 1:1 check-ins keep you accountable, help you interpret feedback, and ensure you turn ideas into real execution.

#### 3. Grow Your Business

For students already operating a venture and looking to scale.

You’ll learn how to:

- strengthen operations
- develop partnerships and channels
- plan for growth
- prepare for investment

You’ll work directly with entrepreneurs experienced in scaling, sharpening strategy, understanding your numbers, and avoiding expensive mistakes.

### Student Founders’ Voices

***“Before joining the incubator, I felt stuck. Since getting involved, things are finally moving again. Our chats helped clarify a lot, and I’m excited about the direction we’re heading.”***

\- Sorin Cococeanu, Business Student, Founder of Twilight Tales

***“Before signing up, I was alone, terrified, and questioning my sanity for dreaming so big. Speaking my plans out loud for the first time — and getting real direction — changed everything.”***

\- Sarah Willocks, Psychology Student, Founder of Invisibility Gym

***“The consistency and support genuinely keep me connected, even on the weeks when I’m not as active.”***

\- Doriana Proca, Arden Student Founder

***“Thanks for the kick in the butt! 😂 Don’t hesitate to do it again — I need that from time to time.”***

\- Chill Petkov, Psychology Student, Founder of Psyberanima

### Meet the Team

![Ben McClure](https://cdn.arden.ac.uk/s3fs-public/styles/quote_m/public/2026-01/Ben%20headshot.JPG)

After decades of building businesses and advising corporates, my focus is on helping students build the practical skills and confidence needed to develop something real. Through 1:1 coaching and hands-on guidance, I help founders find problems worth solving, sharpen their ideas, find early traction, and, most importantly, get started and move forward with clarity.

Ben McClure

Lead of the Arden Enterprise Incubator

![Boban Tanović](https://cdn.arden.ac.uk/s3fs-public/styles/quote_m/public/2026-01/boban-4.jpg)

After 20+ years in digital agencies and startups, I’ve seen how the right guidance at the right moment changes everything. Through 1:1 coaching, I help students validate ideas quickly, understand their markets, build their MVPs, and avoid common pitfalls.

Boban Tanović

Programme Officer & Entrepreneur-in-Residence

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