How Business Sheffield Helped Homei Student Strengthen Its Marketing and Business Strategy

South Yorkshire’s tech ecosystem is thriving, with innovative founders, digital startups and creative entrepreneurs driving new ideas across the region. At Business Sheffield, we’re proud to be part of that ecosystem, helping founders turn ideas into scalable businesses through expert mentoring, workshops and building valuable connections. From providing guidance on how to build MVPs to refining marketing, pricing and funding strategies, we help local tech startups grow with confidence.

Homei Student, founded by James, is a Sheffield-based software development company creating tailored digital solutions to improve student life across the UK and beyond. Its first app, also called Homie Student, helps university students manage chores, bills and shared calendars, making communal living simpler and more enjoyable.

As a solo founder, James faced challenges familiar to many early-stage entrepreneurs, managing every part of the business alone, from development to marketing and funding.

“The main challenge for me was being a sole founder,” James explains. “It can be a lonely journey at times. When things get tough, you haven’t really got anyone to fall back on.”

After joining Business Sheffield, James found both a supportive community and practical guidance. Through his mentors, Chris and Robin, he was able to share ideas, talk through challenges and get clear direction on his next steps.

“I’ve had absolutely loads of support from Business Sheffield, starting with my fantastic mentors Chris and Robin,” says James. “They’ve helped me bounce ideas, think through problems and figure out who to talk to when I’ve got an issue. They’ve been absolutely amazing.”

Alongside mentoring, James also took part in Business Sheffield’s TechForge workshops, which focus on helping early-stage tech founders build and grow their businesses. TechForge runs twice a year and brings together aspiring and established tech entrepreneurs to share experiences, learn from experts and connect with Sheffield’s growing tech community. The sessions cover key topics such as the journey ahead as a tech founder, building your MVP, attracting investment, pricing strategies and accessing funding.

“Marketing was never my thing,” he says. “But the workshops helped me get to the next stage and understand what to do. Without Business Sheffield, I think we’d have got stuck at the first hurdle. We wouldn’t have known where to go for funding or how to build our skills as founders.”

Through consistent support, Business Sheffield has helped Homei Student move forward from an early idea to a growing startup with a stronger foundation, clearer strategy and expanding network.

If you’re developing or scaling a tech business, our Tech Scale-Up Advisors are here to help. They can connect you with Sheffield’s thriving tech and innovation community, guide you on funding and investment opportunities, and provide tailored support to help you accelerate your growth.

To find out more, contact businesssheffield@sheffield.gov.uk or call 0114 224 5000.