"Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and a touch of magic in it"
(Bob Geldof - quoting Goethe - speaking at NESTA's annual conference 'The Innovation Edge')
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FLYING START!
We have a few remaining spaces up for grabs for our FREE three day Creative Industries Programme talking place between 16-18th March at the University of Wolverhampton.
The Programme is completely free and includes all accommodation, food and mentoring for a further 12 months. During the Programme you will have theopportunity to work through your business plan, develop your marketing andnetwork with some of the FlyingStart Creative Experts. Once you've finishedthe Programme you will leave with ideas and an action plan to develop yourbusiness!
We have only a few remaining spaces on the Programme and urge any FlyingStart member to register as soon as possible to avoid dissapointment.
Registrations are currently being accepted online up till the end of Sunday 14th March. http://www.flyingstartonline.com/public/fsprogrammes/view/44
For more information on the Programme please emailprogrammes@flyingstartonline.com
Igniting STEM Enterprise across South East England
Are you interested in enterprise around science, technology, engineering and maths? Do you want to develop your enterprise knowledge, skills and network? The top university students, staff, graduates and researchers - as well as members of the South East enterprise community will come together to get inspired and develop the knowledge, skills, network and experiential opportunities necessary to launch STEM enterprises.
Who can attend?
Students, staff, researchers, graduates, local business professionals, and major corporate partners from any university, discipline, level of study or field of specialization from across the South East region.
Why attend?
From inspirational speakers and an industry trends panel to practical workshops and experiential business creation, pitching and networking opportunities, delegates will have the opportunity to meet and engage with leading STEM entrepreneurs and develop their network and skills. Engage with Microsoft, BAE Systems, Investors, Leading Academics and Entrepreneurs! The events feature keynote entrepreneur speakers, an industry tends panel, workshops with NACUE, Business Boffins and Rob Geraghty from the Wow Factor, as well as speed networking and a pitching competition.
All delegates who complete the one day course will receive an Official STEM Enterprise Certificate of Participation and ongoing business and mentorship support from NCGE.
Where and When?
Reading (March 8)
Southampton (March 29)
Spaces are limited so registration is essential!
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BSCENE (Brighton Social Creative Entrepreneurs Network) FREE Workshops
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How to Get Funding
Tuesday 9th March, 6-8pm, at the West Werks, Brighton.
This workshop will cover: Brief overview of organisations competing for funds, What funding is available, Writing to funders - tips, do's and don'ts, telling the "story"
All events are FREE to attend and no need to register, all events are held at The West Werks, Brighton. More information at the BSCENE website. Sign up to the BSCENE newsletter to recieve regular updates.
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CommercialiSE Training Programmes
If you have an innovative idea that you want to turn into a business or social enterprise, this series of interactive workshops can help you to develop your plans.
Delivered by Dr Tom Harris, Hi-Consulting, the programme aims to teach the process of enterprise and provide practical skills such as Business Planning, Networking and Market Research, in a collaborative and friendly environment. The programme comprises three sets of 2 day residential workshops, course materials, and activities to do in between the workshops.
The programme is FREE OF CHARGE to successful applicants. There is a simple form to complete and you will be asked to discuss your idea with an acceptance panel.
For further details and an application form please email: sally.atkinson@sussex.ac.uk
The CommercialiSE programme is a collaborative partnership between eleven universities in the South East, and supported by SEEDA. More information can be found at www.commercialise.org.uk
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Dare to be Different - Social Entreprenurship Awards
HEFCE promotes and funds high quality, cost-effective teaching and research, meeting the diverse needs of students, the economy and society. If you are a member of staff or student within a HEI supported by HEFCE and want support to develop entrepreneurial solutions to social problems that demonstrate a connection to the Higher Education sector, you can apply for one of over 200 awards available.
You can apply as an individual or informal group for:
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Catalyst Awards
Apply for support and up to £5,000 to start up and develop your project. -
Development Awards
If you have an existing project which is scalable, you can apply for support and up to £15,000 to take it to the next level.
For more infomration please visit the website using the above link. Alternatley you can email ibrarali@unltd.org.uk or call 01274 750632.
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BBC2's 'The Speaker'
Do you want to sharpen your public speaking skills? The BBC has put together a talented team of experts to share their experiences of public speaking. The Speaker Mentors and Judges are joined by a host of famous faces, from pop stars to sports stars, and are backed up by Everyday Speakers. They share one thing in common - their job requires communication skills. Watch and read their tips on all aspects of public speaking, from preparation to motivation, practice and delivery.
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Have you spent months or years trying to create something you believe is different, exciting or even practical and useful?Have you slaved away over a product which you dream could be the next big thing? Maybe it's a new toy or game, a tasty twist on food or drink, a design sensation or something special for the home and garden?
BBC1 would like to follow the people who think they have what it takes to make their dream come true. Are you up for a challenge? Can you impress top industry experts? If so this could be the opportunity of a life time. We would love to hear your story. Get in touch at newbrands@twofour.co.uk or call on 0207 438 1865
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Be your own boss? Want to consider it? It's easier than you think and there's plenty of support.
5,000 FREE places are being made available for graduates on Flying Start Make it Happen training days providing you with all you need to know about self employment and starting a business. And then helping you Make It Happen!
Make It Happen Days are being run around the country. Go to Flying Start online and see what's on offer near you and sign up. And you'll also meet graduates like you who have done it and are flourishing!
Benefits Include:
IDEA - We'll help you turn your passion into your business
START A BUSINESS - Find out what it's all about!
SELF EMPLOYMENT - We'll show you how easy it is!
MENTORING - Personal support from someone who's done it
FUNDING - We'll help you access available money!
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Mums in Biz
Calling all Mums! Have you recently started, or would you like to start your own business? Mum's in Biz run seminars that focus on the key issues that effect busy mums by providing practical and inspiring ideas to help get your business moving.
Seminar Topics for 2009 will include:
- Part 1: For pre-starts and businesses less than one year old.
- Part 2: For businesses older than one year.
- Marketing: To help your business grow.
- Time Management: To get more out of your day.
Dates: Various. For more information please see the Mums in Biz website.
Venue: Sussex Innovation Centre
Cost: £65 for all early bird bookings (taken 1 month before the seminar) £75 for all bookings taken on the same month as the seminar.
Childcare: Mums in Biz runs in partnership with the Brighton Day Nursery in Brighton Marina. Every woman who books a place onto a seminar will have the opportunity to book her child into the nurery for the duration of the seminar.
For more information please call 01273 681484 or email nicky@mumsinbiz.co.uk
To acknowledge and celebrate the success of the dedicated women who run a business as well as a family Mums In Biz are launching the 'Mumtrepreneur' survey.
To complete the survey visit www.mumsinbiz.co.uk/survey and you could win a stand at the Brighton BabyExpo, 1-1 Marketing, PR, Time Management sessions and a place at one of the Mums In Biz seminars.
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Co-Working with Inuda Innovations
If you would like to come an co-work with Inuda they are usually open between 10am and 6pm, please call Jon first on 01273 697366 to make sure there is space.
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Business Link Podcasts (Free to Download)
Also available to download and listen to are podcasts from Business Link that give advice on all kinds of topics from how to write and present a business plan, to how to create PR for your business or organisation. These are free to download and all are accompanied by notes and presentation slides.