Posted: 21/09/12
A vision for enterprise
Would-be entrepreneurs are being encouraged to turn their business dreams into reality.
West Nottinghamshire College is launching Vision Entrepreneur – a pioneering programme aimed at nurturing the job-creators of tomorrow.
College students, sixth-formers and people with enterprising ideas will be coached by industry experts to develop the skills to thrive in business and network with successful entrepreneurs, through a series of monthly events.
The aspiring tycoons will be given the support to take their ambitious ideas to the next stage before presenting them to a panel of judges consisting of college bosses and local business people.
Those whose ideas have the most potential will receive one-to-one mentoring and the backing to develop their plans further. After final shortlisting, people with the most advanced proposals will be rewarded with a comprehensive support package aimed at getting their enterprise off the ground.
Each event will feature an inspirational guest speaker, ranging from high-profile national business figures to local entrepreneurs.
Speaking at the inaugural meeting on Tuesday 2 October (5.30pm-6.30pm) is Fraser Doherty – an award-winning entrepreneur and the brains behind the highly-successful SuperJam brand and range of products.
Fraser, 23, who set up the company aged just 14, will explain how he turned his idea into a multi-million pound industry that supplies more than 2,000 supermarkets around the world, before taking part in a question and answer session.
College principal and chief executive Asha Khemka OBE said: “Through this exciting new programme we want to nurture and develop young people who are curious and creative in their thinking, ambitious and hungry to be successful.
“They must demonstrate an entrepreneurial spirit, have a willingness to take risks and learn from their mistakes, display a passion for what they believe in and possess the sense of urgency to turn their dreams into reality.
“After all, these are the wealth and job-creators of the future.”
Anyone interested in joining Vision Entrepreneur should contact Rachel Bates on 01623 413631 or email rachel.bates@wnc.ac.uk
