Support for entrepreneurs

The University offers it's alumni two schemes for budding entrepreneurs. The schemes are supported through the University's Entrepreneurship and Innovation Centre and are open for all eligible alumni to get involved with.

SPEED WM Programme

The SPEED programme offers a 9 month placement to alumni who are budding entrepreneurs. SPEED is designed to help those with a sound business idea take steps towards running a real business. The objective is to provide a learning opportunity intended to ultimately develop business ideas into successful businesses running for a minimum of 18 months.

The SPEED programme is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) via Advantage West Midlands (AWM).  Birmingham, one of eight partners nationally has been awarded 48 placements to allocate in the academic years 2009 - 2010 and 2010-2011.

Is SPEED for me?

  • Do you have a business idea or a business that is already running?
  • Would you like some practical support and training to help develop this idea into a real working business?
  • Would you like access to a network of professional experts?
  • Do you want to network with other entrepreneurs and businesses?
  • Are you a graduate of the University?
  • Would you like a package of £2500 to kick-start your business idea? 

Benefits

Overall support package worth £6000.

  • Finance of £2500
  • Access to office space for working and meeting
  • Mentoring and coaching to further your business idea
  • Business startup training to further your own business skills
  • Networking to introduce you and your business to others
  • Continuous support

What will you get out of it?

  • Access to key business workshops and seminars
  • Build your business idea into a real working and florishing business
  • Develop your enterprising skills
  • Meet new people from your industry
  • Become and entrepreneur 

Case studies

Eligibility

  • You must be a graduate of the University
  • You must be a citizen of the European Union (EU)
  • You must be willing to set up a registered private limited company and run for 18 months (in certain circumstances a sole trader option may be acceptable)

Applying

If you think you would be interested in taking part in SPEED and are an eligible former student of the University, please contact Julie Cooper, SPEED Project Administrator, for further information -

Email - j.l.cooper@bham.ac.uk
Telephone - +44 (0)121 414 8290

B-SEEN programme

The B-SEEN (Birmingham Skills for Enterprise and Employability Network) programmeoffer our graduates a diverse package of support at a time when many will see business start-up and self employment as an attractive career option. With incubator support, training, mentoring and career guidance, the programme gives participants the tools they need to succeed. A city-wide network of entrepreneurs will give much-needed peer support and access to the regional economy. B-SEEN is funded by Birmingham City Council and will be delivered by Aston University, Birmingham City University and Birmingham.

 

What is B-SEEN?

There is very little support currently available for graduate businesses once their owner or managers have left their universities. B-SEEN will provide a much-needed facility for business support and skills development. B-SEEN offers three levels of support for graduates who are entrepreneurial with an innovative business idea and want to take thei ideas further.

Activity 1 (Fully Booked)

Provides comprehensive support for those who have a nascent business or viable business idea. Graduates get access to -

  • a supported incubator space for up to 6 months
  • £3000 business grant
  • consultancy support through the use of graduate skills advisers,
  • workshops and master classes signposting to other support agencies
  • training, mentoring and coaching.

Activity 2

A Graduate Enterprise Club, run as a collaboration between Aston University, Birmingham City University and Birmingham. This provides city-wide networking, high-profile events with keynote speakers and specialist sector or professional skills master classes.

Activity 3

Graduate Enterprise Skills, offers information, training and advice through informal sessions (drop-ins, clinics, etc) and formal events such as workshops and lectures. Skills being developed through these sessions will include selling, marketing, finance, planning, idea generation, influencing, negotiation, personal presentation, pitching and others.

Who is it for? 

Individuals wanting to start-up a business in Birmingham who have graduated from a UK University in the last 4 years and have a Birmingham postcode.

Find out more

If you are interested in taking part in B-SEEN or have any questions please contact -

Kerry Brunn, B-SEEN Project Administrator

Email - k.a.brunn@bham.ac.uk
Telephone - +44 (0)121 414 6132

Further information can be found at the B-SEEN website.