Entrepreneurship Summer School
ESS hits 20 million pound milestone
The Entrepreneurship Summer School, which ran on campus between 15 July and 1 September, was one of the most successful ever. 40 participants took part in ESS, now in its sixth year.
And the success doesn’t end when the participants leave campus. A survey of alumni from the ESS shows that have raised over £20 million in funding for new ventures and start-ups since the taking the course.
Additionally, 47.8% of those surveyed have started a business since summer school, and a further 29.4% plan to start one in the future. Indeed, those who participate in the programme are over five times more likely to start a business as a result than those who train elsewhere. Their initiatives - which include Mtivity, Omniglobe and Square Pie - have created 284 jobs and, in 2006, revenues of over £9m.
The seven-week ESS programme is designed to develop the skills needed to identify, assess, shape and present an entrepreneurial opportunity and to become a successful entrepreneur. Participants can test the feasibility of their ideas through active research in their proposed markets and learn what it will take to turn their great ideas into fundable businesses.
Professor John Mullins, Chair of the Entrepreneurship Department and Director of the ESS, said, 'Much of the qualitative feedback we received in the survey comments on the motivating power of the programme, the assistance it provides with creating an entrepreneurial mindset, and its ability to inspire self-belief and confidence to go for the “big hairy audacious goals.'
He went on to add, 'This year also promises to be a successful year with 36 current and future businesses being worked on. We're sure you'll hear more about them in future!'