BRT: Build Your Own Business (BYOBiz) - A Two-part workshop for aspiring entrepreneurs - Tuesday 19th & Tuesday 26th November 10am-5pm #GEW

The workshop will be held as part of Global Entrepreneruship Week and will also mark the official launch of our extended enterprise support to the students, staff and alumni of Queen Margaret University (QMU) and Edinburgh College.

More about BYOBiz:

Participating in this workshop offers a wealth of benefits for those eager to embark on their entrepreneurial journey. Whether you have a budding idea or are seeking inspiration, this event provides the essential resources and support to transform your vision into a tangible business. Through interactive sessions, you'll learn to develop a solid business plan, identify your target market, and create a compelling brand that resonates with your audience.

Hands-on exercises will guide you in building a Minimum Viable Product (MVP), helping you test and refine your concept without significant upfront costs. Gain practical insights into digital marketing, social media strategies, and customer acquisition to confidently promote your product or service.

Additionally, you'll explore crucial aspects such as legal requirements, financial planning, and funding options to prepare you for the complexities of starting a business. Beyond skill-building, you will connect with like-minded individuals, establish valuable networks, and exchange innovative ideas. By the end of the workshop, you’ll leave with a clear action plan and the motivation needed to take your first steps as a business owner.

Key Outcomes:

By attending the BYOBiz workshop, you will:

• Learn how to find, validate, and refine your business idea.
• Create a robust business plan using the Business Model Canvas.
• Understand branding essentials and how to craft an effective marketing strategy.
• Build a foundational knowledge of legal and financial requirements for starting a business.
• Develop your sales plan and customer acquisition strategy.
• Gain the confidence to pitch your business idea to potential investors.
• Leave with a detailed 30-day action plan to guide your next steps.

Agenda:

Day 1: Laying the Foundation
Date: Tuesday 19th November
10:00 AM – 10:30 AM | Welcome & Introduction

• Icebreakers to introduce participants and share goals.
• Overview of the two-part workshop structure and expectations.
• Guest motivational talk: "Why Set Up a Business?"

10:30 AM – 12:00 PM | Session 1: Finding & Validating Business Ideas

• Business ideation techniques to generate ideas.
• Identifying market needs: finding problems worth solving.
• Methods for validating ideas through surveys and market research.

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | Session 2: Business Planning Basics

• Introduction to the Business Model Canvas.
• Crafting your unique value proposition.
• Building a profile of your ideal customer.

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM | Lunch Break

2:00 PM – 3:30 PM | Session 3: Branding & Marketing Fundamentals

• Basics of creating a brand identity (name, logo, messaging).
• Overview of key online marketing channels (guest speaker).
• Crafting your elevator pitch.

3:30 PM – 4:30 PM | Session 4: Legal & Financial Essentials

• Overview of different business structures and legal requirements.
• Basic budgeting and financial projections.
• Homework Assignment: Start drafting a basic financial plan and business model.

4:30 PM – 5:00 PM | Evening Networking & Q&A

• Open discussion for questions and feedback.
• Opportunity to connect and exchange contact information.

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Between Sessions: Independent Work & Feedback (One-Week Gap)
Suggested Tasks for Participants:

• Research and validate your business idea using surveys, interviews, or online research.
• Develop your MVP based on what you've learned.
• Draft a marketing plan focusing on target channels and strategy.
• Refine your financial plan and budget estimates.

Optional Support:

• Online check-in with a business adviser during the week.
• Access to online resources, templates, and reading materials.

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Day 2: Turning Ideas into Action
Date: Tuesday 26th November
10:00 AM – 10:30 AM | Recap & Review

• Quick review of key takeaways from Day 1.
• Participants share their progress, MVPs, and challenges faced.

10:30 AM – 12:00 PM | Session 5: Deep Dive into Marketing

• Creating an engaging social media strategy (guest speaker).
• Basics of paid advertising on platforms like Facebook and Google.
• Overview of DIY website building tools like Wix or Shopify.

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | Session 6: Sales & Customer Acquisition

• Building a sales plan: identifying sales channels and strategies.
• Pricing your product or service.
• Customer relationship management basics.

1:00 PM – 2:00 PM | Lunch Break

2:00 PM – 3:30 PM | Session 7: Pitching & Funding Your Business

• Introduction to funding options: bootstrapping, crowdfunding, and basic investment strategies.
• Participants practice pitching their business ideas.
• Feedback session for refining pitches.

3:30 PM – 4:30 PM | Session 8: Creating a 30-Day Action Plan

• Development of a clear plan for next steps post-workshop.
• Final Q&A and wrap-up.
• Networking & closing remarks: Encouraging ongoing collaboration.

Who Should Attend:

• Students, Staff, and Alumni of Edinburgh Napier University, Queen Margaret University and Edinburgh College interested.
• Aspiring Entrepreneurs with business ideas or those looking for inspiration to start their journey.
• Early-Stage Entrepreneurs seeking practical skills and resources to advance their business ventures.