The Startup Studio
Your Big Idea. Your Business, Launched.
Have a Startup Idea? We'll Help You Launch It.
The Startup Studio is a structured 8-week programme designed to help you validate your idea, build strong foundations, and launch with clarity and confidence — alongside other founders doing the same.
Not sure if you are ready yet? Get the Free 'Am I Ready to Start Up?' Checklist.
No spam. Just practical tools for aspiring founders.
Why The Startup Studio?
Starting a business can feel overwhelming — especially when you’re doing it alone.
The Startup Studio is delivered as a small, guided cohort, so you’ll learn alongside other founders, share ideas, and build momentum together — with structure, accountability and support throughout.
By the end of 8 weeks, you will have:
- A validated business idea
- A simple, realistic business plan
- Clear brand foundations
- A practical launch strategy
- The confidence to go live with your business
This is not about theory. It’s about progress, clarity and action.
Pricing & Application Deadline
£222 for the full 8-week programme.
222 is said to be a symbol that your thoughts, intentions, and efforts are aligning with your reality. It’s a gentle reminder to stay focused, trust the process, and keep a positive mindset — because what you’re working toward is already taking shape beneath the surface.
The Startup Studio runs three times a year, with cohorts starting in January, May and September. Each programme runs for 8 weeks and includes:
One live, virtual group session per week (1 hour, held in the evening).
Guided worksheets and short videos to complete in your own time between group sessions.
Exact start dates are confirmed once applications close, so each cohort begins together.
To ensure personalised support, places are limited to a maximum of 10 founders per cohort.
Applications close shortly before each intake, and early applications are encouraged to secure your place.
If your preferred cohort is full, you’ll be offered priority for the next available intake.
You don’t need to have everything figured out — just a genuine idea and the commitment to work on it.
The Facilitator
Hi, I’m Elizabeth.
I’m a graphic designer, website creator, marketing strategist and enterprise teacher. Over the years, I’ve supported founders at every stage — from idea to launch.
I created The Startup Studio to offer what I saw people needed most:
clear structure, practical guidance, and supportive accountability.
This isn’t about perfection.
It’s about building something real — step by step — and I’ll be right there with you.
Success Stories
1Syllable
Raliat, the founder of 1Syllable, is on a mission to bring contemporary dance into the mainstream, making it a real and accessible career path for marginalised communities who are often excluded from the industry.
Raliat joined our virtual programme and has since developed her ideas significantly. She focused on identifying practical steps to build partnerships with relevant organisations and reached her target audience through extensive market research carried out during the programme. She has recorded a compelling pitch video and is now working on launching a new website to bring her vision to life.
Success Stories
London Metropolitan Sessions
The 8-week programme has been delivered by enterprise facilitator Elizabeth for over three years. During this time, it has supported dozens of aspiring entrepreneurs in turning their ideas into real businesses, with many continuing to grow year on year.
We’re also open to partnerships with organisations to deliver the programme either in person or remotely, bringing Startup Studio to new communities and teams.
The Startup Studio Roadmap to Success:
Click on each week to find out what you will learn.
Week 1: Intro, Business Ideas & Opportunities
Discover what makes a strong business idea.
Kick off your journey with an inspiring introduction to the Startup Studio. You’ll explore what sets a good idea apart, how to assess opportunities, and whether your concept has the potential to succeed. You’ll leave with clarity on your startup idea and a roadmap for what’s ahead.
Week 2: Business Model Canvas & Customer Value
Turn your idea into a clear, actionable plan.
Learn how to use the Business Model Canvas to map out the core of your business: who it’s for, how it works, and how you’ll earn. We’ll also define your Customer Value Proposition — the key to getting people to care about your product or service.
Week 3: Market Research & Customer Discovery
Understand your customers and stand out.
Dig deep into market research, customer discovery, and competitor analysis. You’ll learn how to find and talk to real people, validate demand, and build a strategy for attracting and keeping your first customers.
Week 4: Testing, Validation & Viability
Put your idea to the test—before you invest.
This session is all about building confidence through action. You’ll design low-cost experiments to test assumptions, gather feedback, and refine your offering based on real data. Learn what works—and what doesn’t—before you launch.
Week 5: Marketing, Branding & Storytelling
Create a brand that connects and inspires.
Craft a compelling story that captures attention. We’ll dive into branding, marketing basics, and how to communicate your business’s value with clarity and confidence—whether you’re talking to customers, investors, or collaborators.
Week 6: Pitching Practice & Presentations
Learn how to deliver a powerful startup pitch.
You’ll work on crafting and delivering a concise, confident elevator pitch. Through hands-on practice and live feedback, you’ll build the skills to present your idea clearly and persuasively—without boring slides or business jargon.
Week 7: Business Finances & Legal Essentials
Get to grips with the business side of startups.
Learn the must-know financial and legal foundations. We’ll cover budgeting, pricing, business structures, intellectual property, contracts, and how to avoid common pitfalls. No fluff—just practical tools you can use right away.
Week 8: Final Pitch & Celebration Day
Showcase your progress and plan your next steps.
Wrap up your Startup Studio experience by pitching your startup to a supportive audience of peers, mentors, and guests. Share your journey, celebrate your progress, and step confidently into what comes next.
Week 9: Optional Catch up & Next Steps
Tie up loose ends and get ready to launch.
This optional session is your space to catch up, ask final questions, and plan your next steps. Whether you missed a session or just want extra support, we’re here to help you wrap up strong.
What’s Included:
- Quick-fire Q&A and personalised feedback
- Help finish any missed work
- Guidance on what to focus on next
- A look at how strong branding and design can boost your launch
Ready to launch your website or brand?
Check out Lizzy’s creative services for startups at lizzylloyd.com – or book a free 20-minute consult to get started.
Upon completing the course, participants will have created a Basic Business Plan and a Business Pitch Video that can be used for future purposes, such as pitching competitions, crowdfunding, or presenting to investors.
Bonus Perk: Done-For-You Design Discounts
Graduates of The Startup Studio receive exclusive discounts on design, website and marketing services when they’re ready to take their business to the next level.
Curiosity has no bad questions!
What is The Startup Studio?
The Startup Studio offers a structured, practical and fun 8-week programme to help aspiring business owners validate, test and launch their business idea.
Who is The Startup Studio for?
The Startup Studio is perfect for aspiring entrepreneurs who have an idea or passion they want to turn into a real business but don’t know where to start or need guidance to take it all the way to launch.
I’ve tried courses before—what makes this different?
This isn’t just theory—it’s action-based, and I’m there to guide you personally throughout.
How many people will be on the course?
Spaces are limited to maintain a focused and supportive group environment. Generally, we have a maximum of 12 people per cohort.
Do I need to have a fully formed business idea before joining?
Not at all! Whether you have a rough idea or just a passion you want to explore, the programme will help you clarify and shape it into a solid plan.
What if I can't start on the date of the next course?
Not a problem. The course is 8 weeks long and is run at least three times per year. If you missed the start, you can email us at startupstudio@lizzylloyd.com. We may still be able to catch you up!
How much time will I need to commit each week?
We recommend setting aside around 3–5 hours per week for live sessions, exercises, and working on your business tasks.
Is the programme live or self-paced?
It’s a mix of both! You’ll join weekly live virtual sessions for coaching and group support, plus have access to self-paced resources you can work through on your own time.
What if I can’t make a live session?
No worries! All live sessions will be recorded so you can watch them anytime that suits you.
Will I get one-on-one support?
The Startup Studio includes group coaching and Q&A sessions. There will be opportunities for individual feedback, and additional 1-2-1 meetings will be available.
What if I’m not sure if this programme is right for me?
Feel free to reach out! I’m happy to chat about your goals and whether The Startup Studio would be a good fit for your entrepreneurial journey.
Is this suitable if I work full-time?
Absolutely, the live sessions are held in a midweek evening, normally after 6pm, and the day will be confirmed in advance notice to help all participants make arrangements. However, if you can't join, you can access the recorded live session and book a one-on-one appointment.
What happens after I finish the programme?
You’ll have a clear launch plan and the confidence to go live! Plus, graduates get exclusive discounts on Lizzy Lloyd Creative Designs branding, design, and marketing services to help grow their new business.
