Student Enterprise @ Purple Door

PIPEline (Portsmouth Integrated Programme for Enterprise) is an intensive short programme established to help support idea-stage entrepreneurs from the Hampshire region.  PIPEline is run by the Portsmouth Centre for Enterprise at the University of Portsmouth to help ensure a supply of new growth businesses to support the region’s economic strategy and provide a self-employed route for those participating.

“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

"PIPEline has been an eye-opening experience that has really helped crystallise the things I should be doing in order to create and develop successful business. I can’t thank the speakers and organisers enough for all their help and input into the course, they have made the experience one that was pleasurable and un-daunting." Aanand Davé, Forged By Design

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.

Who wants to be an entrepreneur?^{[Back to top]}

10 free places are available on a unique 5-day course for ideas-stage entrepreneurs in 2011. The course, run by The Portsmouth Centre for Enterprise will run over two weekends and culminate in a final pitching event. Applications are invited from candidates considering self employment as a career route.

Benefits^{[Back to top]}

• 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

Eligibility^{[Back to top]}

The course is open to anyone from/based in Hampshire who has graduated from university within the last five years (including 2010 graduates) and who wants the opportunity to start their own business. Candidates will need to commit to being available for the whole 5 days.

How to apply^{[Back to top]}

You can apply online . The deadline is has been extended until Wednesday 18th 9th May 2011

If you would like more information about this opportunity contact the Portsmouth Centre for Enterprise on 023 9284 3543 or email carley.cummings@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.