Have you ever thought of starting your own business?
BSEEN is a project designed to help you.
If you are a recent graduate living in Birmingham, you could be eligible for BSEEN’s comprehensive business support programme.
The Graduate Business Support Programme has been designed to ensure that budding entrepreneurs have the necessary skills and knowledge to make their business thrive, and not just for the initial six months of support that we are offering, but for years to come. We welcome graduates at various different levels of experience: whether you are just developing an idea or have already begun to make the idea a reality, BSEEN can take you forward.
The programme includes:
Incubator Space
You will have use of one of our three incubator spaces, along with internet, telephone and printing facilities. Each university participating in the scheme has their own incubator, and these are located across the City. Each of the spaces is different, but all are an excellent place to start your business.
Business Grant
BSEEN entrepreneurs receive £500 each month, which can either be used towards setting up your business or towards your living costs. Either way, we hope this money can be used effectively to further your business venture.
Mentoring
We have a pool of experienced mentors on board who will be able to give advice, share their own experiences and guide you in the right direction. All our mentors have been in your position, and many would argue that finding the right mentor can be a major factor in a business’ success.
Networking Opportunities
Throughout the programme, there will be frequent opportunities to meet and share knowledge with other graduates, as well as with more experienced entrepreneurs.
Training Sessions
Each incubator has devised a series of training sessions, designed to equip you with the essential skills and knowledge you need to develop your business. For example, past topics include Legal Issues, Creating a Business Plan, and How to Pitch to Investors. We would like to tailor these sessions to your needs, so we will adjust the training sessions to fit the gaps in your knowledge where possible.
Interested? Read on to find out more about applying to the BSEEN programme
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the scheme, you must have graduated within the last four years and be currently living in the Birmingham City Council region. If accepted onto the programme, you will be asked to provide proof that you meet both these criteria.
If you have already set up your business, you must not have been trading for more than six months.
How to Apply
To apply, please download and complete the application form, then send it to the incubator space that you wish to apply for (contact details below):
You may also submit a business plan, although this is an optional part of the selection process. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview, for which they will be asked to prepare a ten minute presentation on their business.
We will be recruiting businesses for intakes in July and October, although dates may differ slightly depending on which university you apply for.
Contact Us
Aston University (Incubator is based at the Birmingham Science Park Aston):
Katherine Preston
0121 204 3214
Birmingham City University:
Rebecca Birch
0121 202 4815
University of Birmingham:
Gurpreet Jagpal
0121 414 2678
THE BSEEN BUSINESSES
Find out more about some of the businesses that we have already supported – COMING SOON
