Startupnow Day for Women at St Ethelburga’s on July 6^th, 2010

 11.00      Registration for prospective clients and time to visit partner stands.  Prospective clients will be asked to fill out a questionnaire if they have not already and will be given the opportunity to book a slot with a business adviser.

 11.45      Introduction of the Startupnow for Women project followed by a short presentation on self-employment.

 12.00      2 “Dragons’ Den” style business presentations from potential clients.

 12.30      Short presentation from a Startupnow peer mentor.

 12.45      Lunch – Clients will have the opportunity to visit our partner stands and discuss courses that may be of interest.  Those who booked to see a business adviser will do so throughout lunch and afterwards at their allocated times.

 15.00      Feedback to clients who presented their business idea.

15.30      Tea and “DaCosta” cakes.  A chance for clients to talk to Startup peer mentors and further appointments with business advisers.

 16.30      2 “Dragons’ Den” style business presentations plus short presentation on Mentoring.

 17.00      Drinks and canapés and chance for Mentor networking.

 17.30      Feedback to clients and Closing Remarks.

 Workshops in The Tent at St. Ethelburga’s throughout the day

 Ann-Marie Lewis – S.H.E. – talking about her course “Getting to know you and your child”.

Ellie Whitfield – Clean Break – games and discussion about the variety of courses on offer.

• Jenny Cox/Jeff Parkinson – meditation/pottery course ‘taster’ session.
• Lloyd Codrington – Bluespot Network – using IT and a website for your business.
• Richard Shaul/Nick Simpson –simple ways to get book-keeping and tax right.
• Rus Slater – some tips from his recently released book ‘Getting Things Done’.

On the 28th April we invited 20 women who have been involved with the criminal justice system and whom are interested in self-employment to our Startupnow for Women Event Pilot.  They took part in a self employment worshop and listened to an existing Startup client talk about his journey from prison to self-employment and the support that he has received from Startup.  In a very relaxed ‘Dragon’s Den’ style presentation three clients that Startup have recently begun supporting presented their business idea to the audience with the hope of receiving full support from Startup.  All three ladies were awarded Startup’s continued support and a financial grant to get their businesses of the ground.

Those women who already had a business idea had the opportunity to discuss this with a business adviser.

During the event our partner organisations all hosted stands giving our potential clients the opportunity to discuss courses and workshops that are available to them.

The day was a huge success and we have received some very positive feedback.