I had the good luck to mentor Krisztina, and Sara – two very enterprising students who took part in the University of East Anglia’s Change Makers competition. Participation enabled them to develop and pitch their social enterprise NourishED promising wider access to affordable and nutritious meals. Up for grabs was a competition prize award and access to other funding opportunities.
It was energising to check-in on progress which took their idea to a credible business model and early evidence of customer demand. This was achieved in about seven weeks, together with the delivery of a pitch presentation, business plan and budget. Deservedly, their effort, speed and thinking was rewarded with funding and so the opportunity to apply learning and pilot the idea.
Skills and ideas were developed with the help of an Accelerator Programme and presented in final pitches to a panel.
This initiative from my local university, was a fantastic learning opportunity for all selected to participate. Combining some initial funding, guidance on idea development, access to mentors and networking opportunities it facilitated first entrepreneurial steps, comprehensive business plans and some very confident presentations.
For me, it was also a vivid reminder of the potential for innovative thinking and fast learning we have in a younger generation. Ownership of an idea is a really powerful motivator that fosters creativity, accountability and will drive capability stretch. This was evident across competing participants. More empowering initiatives like this can only help inspire future entrepreneurs and improve our future prospects.
Well done to the UEA organising enterprise team and all competing ‘change makers’. For those with a business idea to progress, I have attached my (almost) no budget evaluation checklist. I find it helps initial discussions.
Facilitate Success 