Portsmouth Centre for Enterprise (PCE)

The Portsmouth Centre for Enterprise (PCE) offer a wide range of competitions, events, programmes and workshops to help develop your enterprising skills.

ENTERPRISE CHALLENGE

The Enterprise Challenge is a two stage competition run by the Portsmouth Centre for Enterprise (PCE), inviting all Portsmouth students to identify and develop an idea or different ideas which have commercial potential.

The Challenge is open to all registered students from the University of Portsmouth. You can enter Stage One or Stage Two, or both, and you may enter as a team or by yourself.

THE ENTERPRISE CHALLENGE COMPETITION (STAGE 1) - THIS STAGE HAS NOW CLOSED, BUT YOU CAN STILL ENTER STAGE 2 - DETAILS BELOW

 Have you got an idea that can make money or change lives?

 If so, enter our Enterprise Challenge Competition.

 Stage one asks University of Portsmouth (UoP) students to enter their idea(s) on our Facebook App.

There are prizes up for grabs include:

• £500
• iPad 16GB
• iPod Touch

The ideas with the most votes win the prizes!

You can enter more than one idea and you can cast a new vote everyday - so share your idea with as many friends and family as possible! The earlier you upload your idea the longer you have to get votes.

Head over to www.uopenterprisechallenge.com NOW!!!

Closing date for entries is Friday 9th December 2011.

If you would like to discuss your idea in more detail, we offer free and confidential support. To arrange a meeting email enterprise@port.ac.uk

Stage One has now closed and the winners are as follows:

• £500 - Wen Hao

• iPad 16GB - Kevin Fryer

• iPod Touch - Toby Mead

THE ENTERPRISE CHALLENGE COMPETITION (STAGE 2) OPEN NOW FOR ENTRIES!!

This stage asks you to develop your idea further. You need to submit a business proposal (deadline Friday 23rd March 2012) and prepare a 3 minute pitch to present to the judges on Wednesday 2^nd May 2012. Judges are interested not only in your idea but the way you will develop it into a successful enterprise. They will also be looking for projects that are commercially realistic (hover cars might be a great idea but how realistic are they in terms of technology, costs, safety?). Showing evidence that your idea is commercially or socially viable is the key.

Closing date for entries is Friday 23rd March 2012.

BUSINESS PROPOSAL

Criteria for your business proposal:

1.     What have you already done?

*        Evidence about what you have done so far in relation to their idea

*        What have you learnt from these experiences about what works or does not work in business?

2.     What do you plan to do next?

*      What is your compelling vision?

*      What makes you think you can deliver this vision?

3.     The Market

*      What is the need that is perceived for the product or service

*      What evidence has been gathered about proving the need

*      Demonstrate that the offer does not already exist

*      Who are the main competitors and what are their strengths and weaknesses?

*      Where might new entrants emerge from (i.e. future threats)? 

4.     Getting to the market

*      What are the routes to market?

*      What are the revenue streams?

*      What are the recurring revenue streams?

5.     Making a profit

*      How will the product or service be priced?

*      Is the price sufficient to allow a gross profit sufficient to cover all overheads and leave a surplus?

*      How does the pricing structure compare with direct competitors?

*     Have you tested what price the market will bear?

6.     Resources

*      What skills do you already have?

*      What skills do you currently lack and how will you acquire the ones you lack?

*      What resources do you need to achieve your first sale?

*      What resources do you need to survive for 12 months?

Please note: 2000 Words MAX. Evidence can be presented in the appendix

3 MINUTE PITCH

You need to prepare a 3 minute pitch to present to the judges on Wednesday 2^nd May 2012. This is your chance to sell your idea to the judges in a more personalised and creative output. You need to show evidence of why your idea should win, focus on what you have already done and what you will do next. Think about the following:

*          Start with a “hook”

-     A scenario / story is a good way, product demo/prototype or prop

-     What problem are you solving?

-     You have the solution!

*          Draw your audience in

*          Answer the following questions and any more from your proposal that are relevant

-     What is your product or service?

-     Who is your market? (is there a clear demand?)

-     What is your revenue model?

-     Who is behind the company?

-     Who is your competition?

-     What is your competitive advantage?

-     Added value? (National strategic interest, Environmental, Social) 

*          Don’t just describe your idea

*          Show what impact your idea will have on your customer

-     Use your scenario/story to do this

*          Finish with a Call to Action

Be creative and make your idea stand out!

For ideas on how to make a great pitch check out the links on our Delicious page.

Support

Do NOT fear! Support is available. If you need assistance in writing your business proposal, the dedicated staff at the Portsmouth Centre for Enterprise can help. Get in contact to book an appointment to discuss your idea.

To book an appointment email enterprise@port.ac.uk or call 023 9284 3543

So, how to enter Stage Two:

Step 1:  Submit an entry form (download a copy below or email enterprise@port.ac.uk for a copy if you experience any difficulties) along with a copy of your business proposal.

Step 2:  Attend your assigned pitching slot on Wednesday 2^nd May 2012 and present your 3 minute pitch to the judges. Please note pitches will be filmed.

Step 3: Attend the presentation day on Wednesday 9^th May 2012 to find out if you have won. 

Stage Two Hand in deadline

All Stage Two entries must be sent electronically to enterprise@port.ac.uk by 4pm on Friday 23^rd March 2012.

Prizes:

Prizes are top secret until the awards evening on Wednesday 9^th May 2012. However we can tell you that there is money up for grabs and experiential prizes that include International travel!

They are going to be BIG!

Closing date for entries is Friday 23rd March 2012.

Pitch day will take place on Wednesday 2nd May 2012.

The awards will take place on Wednesday 9th May 2012.

If you would like to discuss your idea in more detail, we offer free and confidential support. To arrange a meeting email enterprise@port.ac.uk

ENTERPRISE BOOTCAMP

FUN FILLED APPRENTICE STYLE DAY!

We will be running University of Portsmouth Faculty specific Bootcamps which are set to be lots of fun!

The Enterprise Bootcamp is a fun filled 1 day event which gets students from across each faculty working together. 

Students take part in a variety of Apprentice-style challenges, solving various real business problems. They then pitch their ideas to a panel of esteemed judges, who decide on the winning team. This event is intense and exhilarating.

All Bootcamps will be hosted by a local organisation who will set the real life brief.

It's not all hard work, there is lots of fun to be had as well!

Dates:

If you are unsure which faculty you are in, email enterprise@port.ac.uk and we can assist you.

PLACES ARE LIMITED SO APPLY NOW!

Testimonials

“It is a great place to enhance your group-work skills and network with like-minded people. It is an experience you would not want to miss out on.” June 2011 participant

“Challenging and inspiring – Loved it!” June 2011 participant

Please note: Open to current University of Portsmouth (UoP) students only.

THE PIPELINE PROGRAMME

PIPEline (Portsmouth Integrated Programme for Enterprise) is a five day intensive short programme for University of Portsmouth graduates in the early stages of starting their own business.

The programme aims to bring together ideas-stage entrepreneurs from many different ages and backgrounds: new graduates, creative entrepreneurs, social entrepreneurs, science and technology start-ups, to create a rich interdisciplinary mix in which the peer learning and networking opportunity is as important as the taught component.

Structured around two intensive weekends the programme culminated in a final one day pitching event. The structure encourages participants first to look inwards at their own skills and creativity followed by the opportunity to gain guidance and advice from experts to help move their ideas forward. The final stage allows participants to put what they have learnt into practice and pitch their ideas to representatives from local business support networks with the aim of gaining access to start-up finance, incubation and mentoring. All participants will be teamed up with a mentor to help them develop their idea throughout the programme.

Benefits

• Develop and focus your entrepreneurial ideas
• Discover if an entrepreneurial venture is right for you
• Network with other ideas-stage entrepreneurs
• Meet and hear from entrepreneurs who have already done it
• Pitch to providers of incubation, start-up finance and business mentoring

The programme is free and is open to individuals who have graduated from University of Portsmouth (UoP) within the last five years (including 2012 graduates. Candidates will need to commit to being available for the whole 5 days.

How to apply

You can apply online. The deadline for applications is Friday 25^th May 2012.

If you would like more information about this opportunity contact the Portsmouth Centre for Enterprise on 023 9284 3543 or email enterprise@port.ac.uk.

Places are limited and organisers are looking for applications which demonstrate evidence of entrepreneurial intention, commitment and enthusiasm along with a great business idea.

Please note, candidates will need to pay for their own lunch and accommodation during the programme.

 Testimonials

 “PIPEline presented me with a great range of networking opportunities with fellow participants, sponsors and further contacts, I gained a wealth of information and knowledge on subjects I was unclear about and I learnt new ways of thinking and approaching situations. Very importantly I gained confidence in myself, my product and my ability to take my idea forward. The professional advice you get is great but the opportunity to meet likeminded people is such a motivating tool.” Gemma Bastable

"PIPEline has given me confidence that I am definitely doing the right thing by starting my own business. It has introduced me to some fantastic like-minded people and provided some brilliant new opportunities for my company." Nathan Gaskin, Applied Brilliance

SCHOOL FOR PROFESSIONAL SKILLS

The School for Professional Skills is a series of workshops hosted by the Centre for Enterprise at the University of Portsmouth in collaboration with the Institute of Directors (IOD). Workshops will be run by business people and will cover different aspects of professionalism which will help you begin to prepare for the world of work. 

Participating students will leave university with both a degree and a proven readiness for the world of work. Such graduates are much sought after. The workshops aim to cover the areas that many professional organisations feel graduates are lacking. Completing the School for Professional Skills you will have a competitive advantage in a very fierce graduate market.

The workshops will run on 8 consecutive Wednesdaysstarting Wednesday 8th February 2012 and finish on Wednesday 28th March 2012.

Workshops include:

• Basic project management skills
• Telephone answering skills
• Communication skills
• Email and e-presence
• Basic financial understanding
• Presentation skills
• Meeting skills
• Energy and attitude

Students must commit to all 8 sessions and at the end will receive an official certificate indicating the completion of the programme.

ONLY 20 PLACES ARE AVAILABLE, SO APPLY TODAY AT GROUPSPACES.


For more information email carley.cummings@port.ac.uk

THE UNDERSTUDY PROGRAMME

Work experience opportunities in local entrepreneurial companies.

More information coming soon.

ENTREPRENEUR ALUMNI NETWORKING EVENTS

We will be holding a number of networking events in Portsmouth for our alumni entrepreneurs:

Testimonials

"After leaving the event, I was still buzzing at 2am! Having the facilitator at each table was really useful, I learned so much. I want to acknowledge you for your commitment and energy in organising this event impeccably. I am looking forward to the next one!" Ruth Collins, Founder of Ashling Art & University of Portsmouth alumnus

 "The evening was most enjoyable and I hope will prove profitable for the entrepreneurs both present and upcoming." Lucille Pendry, Independent Learning Research & University of Portsmouth alumnus

THE ARCHIMEDES GROUP - Peer learning for Entrepreneurs

SWAG (STUDENTS WITH AWESOME GOODIES)

We hold an annual student's market, where University of Portsmouth (UoP) students can sell their products.

More information coming soon.

NATIONAL COMPETITIONS

In addition to the competions and events the PCE organise, there are a number of national competitions you may wish to enter:

Bright Science Competition – Do you have an idea for an improved service or product which is based in science, technology, engineering or mathematics? If the answer is yes, why not enter this competition to be in with the chance of winning up to £1000. Closing date: Monday 12th December

Shell LiveWIRE – If you're aged 16-30, based in the UK and need funding to get your new business or project off the ground, Shell LiveWIRE have up to 5 x £1,000 prizes to give away each month to the most innovative ideas submitted by new businesses (in their first 12 months of trading).

Barclays Take One Small Step - Whether you’re an established business with a great new plan to grow, or a budding entrepreneur with a dream of going out on your own we want to hear about it. Put it in words. Bring it to life on film. Make Barclays feel excited and you could be on your way to winning a £50,000 business boost.

NACUE Varsity Pitch - Start up competition for students and graduates across the UK.

Lloyds TSB Enterprise Awards - If you are 18 years and over, are a current student or graduated in the last 5 years and your business or enterprise has been trading for over one year Lloyds TSB are offering you the opportunity to win up to £50,000.

Last year we had 3 winner in the Bright Science competition and a semi-finalist in the NACUE Varsity Pitch competition. Lets see if we can increase that number this year.