DMU teams up with BID Leicester to launch new entrepreneurial programme
Applications open today for a new, free programme aimed at anyone who wants to start or grow their businesses, or learn more about developing entrepreneurial skills.
The Leicester Future Entrepreneurs scheme begins next month and will be run in-person with local mentors and trainers. Sessions take place at different venues across the city, showcasing the different co-working spaces and enterprise hubs the city has to offer.
Students and graduates from any university or college, as well as members of the public, are being invited to apply now for a place on the scheme, which is being run in partnership with BID Leicester, a not-for-profit organisation that works to promote Leicester. Applications close on February 28.
Those accepted on to the programme will learn business basics as well as practical skills such as networking, how to create a website and how to integrate with Leicester's thriving business community.
Leicester’s Future Entrepreneurs is being delivered by DMU Works Enterprise and Entrepreneurship team, led by Simon Baines.
He said: “We are thrilled to be partnering with BID Leicester on this unique entrepreneurship programme. In a time when there are many business support programmes on offer, we wanted to offer something different, so participants of Leicester Future Entrepreneurs will hear from fresh talent and will benefit from an original schedule of workshops taking place in some of Leicester's best venues.
"This is a very practical programme, so don't expect endless powerpoint presentations and do expect to have a great time and lots of fun.
"We can't wait to get started and bring fresh, entrepreneurial talent to the forefront of Leicester's business community.”
* Sign up here for Leicester's Future Entrepreneurs
There will also be a one-day conference taking place on campus this June, in which students, graduates, participants on the programme and the local business community will be invited to come together to discuss the future of entrepreneurship in our city.
Simon Jenner, director of BID Leicester, said: "As a Business Improvement District we are proud of the creativity and ingenuity of entrepreneurs in the city and it is fantastic to see that Leicester is increasingly recognised as one of the best places to start a business.
“This project will provide timely learning and support to people starting new businesses so that they can become the success stories of the future and can grow to occupy property and employ people locally".
There will be an opportunity to hear more about the programme at Connect on Campus, a free event taking place at De Montfort University on Thursday 24 February from 5 - 7pm. This event is open to everyone and free tickets are available here.
Leicester Future Entrepreneurs begins on Thursday 10 March with the first workshop taking place at between 11am - 2pm. Sessions then continue monthly, with 1-2-1 support and additional coworking sessions taking place across the city.
