Student Enterprise @ Purple Door

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The PIPEline Programme

PIPEline 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 within the last five years (including 2013 graduates). Candidates will need to commit to being available for the whole five days.

Programme dates

How to apply

You can apply online. The deadline for applications is Friday 17th May 2013.

If you would like more information about this opportunity contact Student 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