Welcome All……freedom seekers, go-getters, curious explorers, social innovators, local pioneers, freelancers, commissioners & contractors.The programme is going ahead as usual and all activities listed below will be held online for the foreseeable future. You will not need any special equipment or software for this. We look forward to your application for spring 2021. |
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Ever had a lightbulb moment for a new idea? It can happen anywhere, any time – while you’re at Uni, work, out for a run or in the shower. Taking your idea and turning it into something tangible can be an exciting prospect. There are probably lots of questions flying around in your head: Is my idea good enough? Will I be able to do it in my free time? Do I eventually want to work for myself? Has someone done it before etc. etc.?
To help you answer these questions and get started on the road to self-employment, we have created the ‘be inspired at Staffordshire University’ (biSU) Start Up programme.
This is a free resource designed to pool our experience in advising business start-up’s and our knowledge of growing small businesses to help set up your business idea and get it off to a flying start; avoiding the most common mistakes that most start-ups make.
Through a year long programme of support, we provide:
To help you to:
BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY…
…we make sure you never feel like you’re on your own!
The thought of starting a business on your own can be daunting. Never be afraid to ask for guidance along the way.
This is an informal chat about your idea and all the options you have to move forwards.
Please ensure that you have had a 1-1 appointment with a member of the be inspired project 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.
The application form is available here: biSU application form 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 email beinspired@staffs.ac.uk for an appointment.
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-Submission is a great opportunity to meet everyone in the process of applying for your intake, as well as some who went through the project in the previous couple of years. It is the time to 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.
The panel will be made up of a couple of biSU team experts, and one or two external assessors, who can provide you with initial advice and guidance and assess whether the biSU programme is the best solution for you.
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 project 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 project induction events. 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.
One year following your start on the project you will ‘graduate’. This will be a day long event where you take part in an exhibition. Towards the end of the day we will hold a Graduation Ceremony where you will be presented with your completion certificate. This is a great celebration day for everyone on your cohort and the biSU staff :0)
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)
WHY IT WORKS
Our years of knowledge and experience of helping to grow small businesses makes us well placed to advise start-ups. We offer an independent and objective assessment of your business proposal to ensure you have the best chance of success.
Our continuous analysis of the small business sector means that we are alert to changes and developments in different market sectors and we advise you of any suitable opportunities which we come across.
See the latest beneficiary VIDEO
IMPORTANT DATES
**N.B. All these dates are COMPULSORY to attend so check your diary and ensure you can be available before moving forwards with your application.**
Project ‘Pre-Submission’ Event | 9:30am-1pm | 21st May 2021 |
Written Application and Video Submission | Midnight | 28th May 2021 |
Notification of Application Outcome | 5:00pm | 4th June 2021 |
Deadline for your acceptance and return of contract | Mid-day | 8th June 2021 |
Induction Workshop 1 – Grants, Mentoring & Output Letters | 9:30am-1pm | 17th June 2021 |
Induction Workshop 2 – Meet biSU Alumni & Networking | 9:30am-1pm | 18th June 2021 |
Induction Workshop 3 – Marketing, Pricing, Branding | 9:30am-1pm | 15th July 2021 |
Induction Workshop 4 – Finance & Legal Entity | 9:30am-1pm | 16th July 2021 |
Deadline for collection of Output letters and Mentor Choice Forms | 5:00pm | 16th July 2021 |
**A full list of 2021-22 dates will be provided at the initial application chat.**
DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION FORM HERE: biSU application form for be inspired project |