Jamal Edwards MBE

Sara Osterholzer

A music executive and filmmaker and a good business specialist have been appointed the first ‘entrepreneurs in residence’ at Sussex to further inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs emerging from the University.
 
Jamal Edwards MBE, founder of online music platform SBTV, and Sara Osterholzer, co-founder of The Good Business Club, will take up their positions this month, to provide support to a growing number of Sussex students who have their own ambitions to become entrepreneurs.
 
As prominent champions of entrepreneurship, Edwards and Osterholzer will help Sussex play a vital role in promoting the aspirations of would-be business founders through guest talks, campus visits, one-to-ones, competition judging and network introductions.
 
The new programme is part of a wide-ranging approach set out in the Sussex 2025 Strategy which aims to develop the knowledge and skills of students to create “critical thinkers, entrepreneurs, commentators, citizens and activists”.
 
For Jamal Edwards, who is credited with helping to launch the career of Ed Sheeran, his appointment is an exciting one:
 
“I believe that everyone has the potential to be an entrepreneur. Business is all based around having great ideas, unlocking creativity and then having the tools to take them to the next level. I’m looking forward to hearing new ideas from the students, getting to know them better and helping them as much as I can.
 
“I started SBTV so young, learning to navigate the business as the platform grew, and the guidance I received along the way was invaluable.
 
“Some people don’t think they have the means or contacts to be able to make their ideas become reality, so it means a lot that I can help to share contacts, opportunities and advice as much as I can.
 
“I want the students to know that I’m here to help. No question is off limits and I can’t wait to get started!”
 
Emily Huns, Head of Careers and Entrepreneurship, said:
 
“We are really excited to welcome Jamal to the team to support our work with student and graduate entrepreneurs! Co-creation is key to our approach and this appointment was inspired by student feedback on the role models they identify with and want to hear from.
 
“As a dynamic young founder working in the creative industries, Jamal will bring passion and insight to further inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs emerging from the University of Sussex, helping us to achieve our Sussex 2025 vision.”
 
For Sussex alum, Sara Osterholzer, the appointment sees her return to familiar ground:
 
“When I graduated from Sussex University in 2014, I left energised and eager to make a difference in the world. To come back full circle not even a decade later and be able to share the lessons I've learned and the knowledge I've gleaned to individuals who are in the same position I was in, that's an honour and fills me with excitement.
 
“The world of business is changing and it is an honour to be joining the University of Sussex community as an Entrepreneur in Residence to contribute to the next generation of good business owners and social innovators.”
 
Emily Huns, Head of Careers and Entrepreneurship, continued:
 
“Sara is a pivotal member of the Brighton social impact community and a dedicated advocate for good business. As a University of Sussex Business School alumna who already supports our programme, she is an ideal role model, and will help us grow the number of social entrepreneurs emerging from the University of Sussex.
 
“We want to encourage all of our students to think about how they can contribute to a better world. We can’t wait to start work with Sara, supporting our Pitch for the Planet social innovation award winners, and connecting Sussex students to a wider network of social entrepreneurs.”