University event showcases student-led start-ups
Aston University is holding a celebration event to showcase student and graduate-led businesses which have been supported by Birmingham Skills for Enterprise and Employability Network (BSEEN) on 17 February.
The event, taking place at The Custard Factory in Digbeth, will feature 40 start-ups that have received support from BSEEN, including MyMaskology - a beauty subscription service, Odd Orange - a high-end stationery company, videographers Narce Media, Gigsta - a matchmaking platform helping students find part-time jobs and Chefiesta - a meal preparation service.
Established in 2009, BSEEN has helped over 1000 students and recent graduates to launch new ventures in Birmingham through a combination of incubation space, an intensive bootcamp, funding and mentoring.
BSEEN is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund. The collaborative initiative between Aston University, Birmingham City University, Newman University and University College Birmingham is open to students studying at these universities as well as graduates within the last five years from any university living in the Greater Birmingham and Solihull LEP area.
Entrepreneurs on the programme attend an intensive start-up boot camp and receive a small business grant, mentoring, free office space and networking opportunities.
Speakers at the event include Leigh Purnell, founder of green-tech company Petalite which is revolutionising electric vehicle charging and Davies Okeowo and Janani Prasad, co-founders of Novel - a tech solution offering complete accounting for micro businesses.
Carolyn Keenan, BSEEN Project Manager, said: “This event is all about celebrating the successes of the businesses we have supported through BSEEN.
“Many of these businesses will be exhibiting at the event and will be sharing their entrepreneurial journey with us.
“This is a great opportunity to meet our student and graduate entrepreneurs working in tech, food, social enterprise among others and to network with our mentors, supporters and the wider Birmingham entrepreneurial community. ”
Book a place for the free event here.