At the launch, learn more about the University\u2019s flagship student Business Start-Up Journey, meet the ASPIRE<\/a> team of experts and hear from student entrepreneurs who have started their own businesses.<\/p>\n See below for the full programme of events this year and email aspire@kent.ac.uk<\/a>\u00a0to book your spot.\u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n In the first of three interactive workshops to help you generate ideas, you\u2019ll collaborate with other students find new business ideas using the Sustainable Development Goals for inspiration.<\/p>\n Dive into our ideas hack, where you\u2019ll work with other students to find ideas using the Sustainable Development Goals as inspiration. Start to develop your entrepreneurial skills using Design Thinking techniques that help you to unlock the innovation and find ideas.<\/p>\n Dive into more problem solving, to understand how business ideas can come from understanding and solving problems in the world around us.<\/p>\n What inspiration can new technologies provide us with when starting a business? How can we create sustainable start-ups using cutting edge apps and other tech? Explore the opportunities of the circular economy to deliver innovation in your business and create a positive impact on the planet.<\/p>\n Take our 50-minute challenge and learn how to turn your business ideas into reality, working in groups or individually to create your own prototype.<\/p>\n Business success lies in studying emerging trends and learning how to use market information to stay ahead of the curve and spot the next big thing. In a 50-minute group challenge, develop a sustainable business proposition using market information and forecasts.<\/p>\n Having competition is actually a good thing! In this interactive workshop you will learn how to analyse competition in your market to understand their strengths and weaknesses and uncover the innovation to differentiate your business.<\/p>\n In an in-depth practical workshop you\u2019ll be guided in how to put together a compelling business plan with the ASPIRE Business Model Canvas focusing on sustainability and inclusion.<\/b><\/p>\n A simple website is a low-cost way to showcase your business idea and get feedback from potential customers.\u00a0 In this hands-on workshop you\u2019ll be guided through creating the perfect platform to test your ideas and reach your customers.<\/p>\n Learn how to build and use customer personas to refine your idea, define your marketing strategy and develop your business idea to meet your customers\u2019 needs. In groups or individually, create a customer survey to generate feedback.<\/p>\n Understand how you can create compelling content using social media and other channels to reach your customers. Learn how to write a media release and create a video to showcase your business.<\/p>\n Getting to grips with finances can make or break a start-up. In this practical session you\u2019ll learn how to build to break-even and then to profit, understand how to price your business, your start-up costs and cash flow. Our team will offer insights into the different ways you can fund your business.<\/p>\n Have you got what it takes to walk into the dragons\u2019 den? Find out what investors are looking for in a start-up and how to build an investible business using real-life case studies and examples.<\/p>\n In a hands-on session, learn how you can use networking opportunities effectively \u2013 face-to-face and online \u2013 to promote your start up. Create professional social media accounts to promote yourself and your business.<\/p>\n At our extended workshop, you\u2019ll learn which slides you need in your pitch deck to impress potential investors. Create the perfect pitch telling a compelling story and get top tips for presenting to investors, customers and suppliers. Free lunch and refreshments.<\/p>\n How do you start a business in the UK? What legal obligations will you face? In this practical and interactive session you\u2019ll get guidance on all the considerations you will face from Companies House to registering for tax, trademarking and protecting your ideas.<\/p>\n Selected student entrepreneurs step into the dragons den to pitch their business to our panel of expert judges with the chance to win \u00a31,000 to develop their business. Everyone is welcome to join the showcase and celebrate the Business Start-Up Journey programme.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/kbs-news-events\/files\/2021\/09\/aspire.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nWednesday 27 October\u00a0 Workshop 1 \u2013 How to Find A Business Idea<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Saturday 30 October\u00a0 – The Ideas Hack<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Wednesday 3 November – Workshop 2 \u2013 Problem Solving and Innovation \u2013 Teams 1-2pm SR6 2-4pm<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Wednesday 17 November \u2013 New Technology and New Ideas<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Wednesday 24 November – Turn your Idea into Reality<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Wednesday 1 December – Spotting trends and finding innovation – Teams 1-2pm SR6 <\/strong>2-4pm<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Wednesday 8 December\u2013 What can you Learn from Your Competition<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Wednesday 26 January \u2013 How to Build Your Business Plan<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Wednesday 3 February \u2013 Building a Pop-Up Website<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Wednesday 9 February \u2013 Understanding your Custome<\/strong>r<\/h4>\n
Wednesday 16 February – Build Your Marketing Strategy <\/strong><\/h4>\n
Wednesday 23 February \u2013 Know your Start-Up Finance and How to Find Funding<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Wednesday 9 March – What do Investors Want?<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Wednesday 16 March\u00a0 \u2013 How to be Brilliant at Networking<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Saturday 19 March\u2013 Building an Outstanding Pitch Deck<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Wednesday 23 March \u2013 Setting up your Business<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Wednesday 6 April \u2013 Pitching Finals<\/strong><\/h4>\n