BG Futures, the Careers, Employability and Enterprise department at Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) have teamed up with the Prince’s Trust to offer young entrepreneurs a route into self-employment.
Sarah Moseley, Enterprise Development Manager at BG Futures and John Holliday, Prince’s Trust Executive first met in February to explore ways they could partner to support those students who were interested in setting up their own business as Sarah explains:
“The Enterprise agenda at BGU already provides opportunities for students to gain knowledge, skills, work-readiness and personal development.
Widening the student experience is crucial for us and the Prince’s Trusts strategy to transform young people’s lives aligns perfectly with that of BGU”
The Prince’s Trust has responded to the current constraints coronavirus has imposed on face to face delivery, by offering a monthly 2-day webinar which details all the different aspects of setting up and running your own business.
The subjects covered include marketing, selling, branding, finding and keeping customers, business finance, taxation, legal structure and competitor analysis.
This is followed by 1-2-1 support with John on how to write a business plan and securing either grant or loan funding to cover your start-up costs. Once you launch, two years of ongoing support is provided by one of the Prince’s Trust’s experienced business mentors.
Future dates earmarked for the webinars include June 22/23, July 20/21 and August 24/25.
Sergiu and George, on the BA (Hons) Business (Team Entrepreneurship) and Professional Graduate Diploma in Education, Training and Skills (PGDE) courses respectively, are two of the BGU students to have taken part in the webinars so far. They shared their excitement for what their participation could offer them:
“I found the course very helpful as it gave me access to the Princes Trusts vast range of resources such as business plan templates, their network and a personal 1 to 1 mentor to overlook my development and make sure I’m on the right tracks with possible funding and grants opportunities”
Sergiu
“I am interested in starting a business in the future and found the sessions really useful and motivational”
George
Speaking following their feedback Sarah said:
“With many plans on hold and University students having to adapt to new ways of learning and development I am delighted that Sergiu and George felt able to take some time to focus on their future”
To find out more about the work of the Enterprise Team at BG Futures contact sarah.moseley@bishopg.ac.uk Tel: 01522 563817
For further details of The Prince’s Trust programme contact John Holliday on 07766 778341.