Initial Chat

To make an appointment:

• Give the office a call on 01785 353809 or,
• email beinspired@staffs.ac.uk

This is an informal chat about your idea and all the options you have to move forwards.

Apply

The application form is available here: biSU Application Form_v4 or you can request a copy via email (beinspired@staffs.ac.uk ).  It will not take long to complete but we are here to support you if you have any questions or would like someone to sit with you whilst you fill it in – in which case call 01785 353809 for an appointment.

Please ensure that you have had a 1-1 appointment with a member of the be inspired scheme before completing an application form. This way we can answer any questions you may have about the programme or anything else you would like to know before applying.

If you require any sort of careers advice which may include interview preparation, CV writing, career planning or work experience, please follow the link below to book an appointment with one of Staffordshire University’s dedicated Careers Team.
http://www.staffs.ac.uk/support_depts/careers/MyCareer.jsp

Pre-Interview Event

Pre-Interview is a great opportunity to meet everyone in the process of applying for your intake, ask any questions you may have and learn the full details of the programme.  The full biSU team is on hand and will talk through each aspect of the programme and what we can expect of each other as well as what the funders expect.

This is typically a half day event and is a fun, interactive way for you to ensure this really is the programme/timing for you.

Expert Selection Panel & Outcome

The panel will be made up of a couple of biSU team experts, and one external, who can provide you with initial advice and guidance and assess whether the biSU programme is the best solution for you. At your panel meeting you will have the opportunity to discuss your idea fully and chat about what you have done up to that point.

You will be notified within a few days about whether the panel feel the programme is the most appropriate solution for you or whether we will be supporting you in other ways.  If you are selected for a place on the full biSU start up programme you will be sent the participant contract to read and sign.  Once this is returned to the biSU team you will then join a cohort of new start-ups at the programme induction.  As part of the induction you will choose your industry mentor and on completion of some paperwork gain access to your Start Up Grant.

The biSU team will see you regularly and you will join a business network and attend monthly, evening business talks which, along with your industry mentor, will keep you on track to becoming successful and sustainable doing what you love.

Graduation

One year following your start on the project you will ‘graduate’.   You will be provided with a certificate at your cohorts graduation ceremony followed by the after party. This is a great celebration day for everyone on your cohort and the biSU staff ;0)

Post-Project Support

Even though you have graduated from the programme, you can continue to receive advice, guidance, funding links and networking support from us for as long as you need us…even if its just for a catch up chat :0)