Ella Corr - BA Business Management

Business name: Corr Digital Marketing Solutions

BA Business Management student Ella Corr gained not only practical business skills but also confidence and clarity through her University of Leeds Enterprise Scholarship. Ella now has the networks, knowledge and self-belief she needs as she graduates and follows her entrepreneurial aspirations.

Balancing academic study with real-life experience

“I was applying for university towards the end of the final Covid lockdown. I read some great reviews about the University of Leeds from students praising its degree courses and their positive experiences of living in the city,” explains Ella.

“I went to an all-girls grammar school, so the path to university had been heavily encouraged, but I was struggling to balance that with my enthusiasm to run my own business. I’ve always been entrepreneurial: as a teenager, I ran a make-up business using social media and, during the pandemic, I started making and selling my own jewellery. But when I started to explore the opportunities available at Leeds University Business School and more broadly at the University of Leeds, I knew I’d found somewhere where I could combine the academia of a degree with hands-on business management experience.”

Securing scholarship for the right idea, at the right time

In her fourth year of study, Ella was awarded an Enterprise Scholarship, providing her with mentorship, connections, and some grant funding for her start-up. “I actually applied for the scholarship in my second year with the jewellery business I’d started during the pandemic,” says Ella. “I was unsuccessful but, in hindsight, I’m really glad, as I applied again with a much stronger mindset and a clearer business plan following my placement year in industry. It felt really reaffirming when I was awarded the Enterprise Scholarship second time around, as I knew how much my knowledge and confidence had grown.”

To secure her Enterprise Scholarship, Ella applied with a short business plan, before she was shortlisted to present her ideas to a panel. “I didn’t see the process as a chore, nor was I daunted by it: I really enjoyed the presentation!” smiles Ella. “That’s partly because the judges were so supportive, but also because of my real belief in my new business idea, Corr Digital Marketing Solutions.

I’d been working with a charity in my hometown which was trying to launch a community kitchen hub, offering employment and events. But they needed help with digital marketing. I felt I’d spotted a gap in the market to help charities and community organisations grow their online presence, and the judges agreed.”

Gaining clarity through Spark’s business bootcamp

The year’s winning Enterprise Scholarship students were invited to take part in an intensive two-day business bootcamp, run through Spark. “We had the chance to learn from successful entrepreneurs and grow our networks,” explains Ella. “I’d never had an opportunity like this before, so it was exciting to make connections with business owners I’d otherwise never have met. I also enjoyed the camaraderie of the other Enterprise Scholars around me, and being able to learn from each other.

“The Spark-led bootcamp also gave me so much confidence. Without the skills I learnt there, I don’t think I’d have taken that first step towards believing I could make money from my business idea. So much of that faith came through the pitching competition we took part in. Talking to someone as if they were a potential client gave me the tools to present my ideas and offer with complete clarity. I also found the entrepreneur speakers’ Q&A session a huge help. I could ask questions about my business and get advice from people who’ve been there, and who I really admire.”

Graduating with support, motivation and confidence

Ella graduates in 2026: “I’m not certain of my plans yet, but I know I’d like to return home and get a part-time income, to give me the opportunity to focus on developing a business. I definitely want to be self-employed, so I’ve set myself goals, including paying off my parents’ mortgage, as motivation. That might sound bold, but my time with Spark has instilled a sense of confidence in me: I know I can do this.

“I’ve spent my time at the University of Leeds surrounded by such supportive and successful professors and entrepreneurs who really believe in me, including through events put on by Leeds University Business School. That’s one of the best things I can take away from my time here. Knowing I have the backing of such an invaluable network gives me great comfort and motivation, no matter which path I choose to take.”