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25-11-2011
Business Ideas Competition
news image If you have a business idea, the Business Ideas Competition is the ideal way to set yourself some deadlines and get to work!

Check out the full competition details.
  Author:


25-11-2011
Register now for Startup Saturday!
news image On Saturday, 5th November, we're hosting a special half-day workshop to help you bridge the gap between your business idea and your first customers!

This workshop is aimed particularly at anyone entering the Business Ideas Competition, but is also open to any other interested students.

What you'll get out of it:
  • a structured way to "search" for the perfect business model for your idea
  • dedicated help from experienced mentors and entrepreneurs
  • a specific plan of action to test and improve your business idea (and to strengthen your Business Ideas Competition entry!)
  • an opportunity to follow-up with mentors at a later date.
Registrations now open: http://startupsaturday2011.eventbrite.com/
  Author:


25-11-2011
Student startup featured on STV
news image University of Edinburgh student company Tigatag was featured on the STV website recently:

"Edinburgh-based start-up company Tigatag could be on course to hit the big time after developing a unique platform for mobile phone based games and customer loyalty schemes...." Get the whole story.
  Author:


25-11-2011
Freshers Week winners
news image Congrats to the winners of our Freshers Week prize draw:

  • Phil Mollicone, an Engineering student, won £50 worth of John Lewis vouchers.
  • Michael Kattirtzi, a Science and Technology Studies student, won £25 worth of iTunes vouchers.
  • Abi Field, a Languages student, won a copy of the book Open Services Innovation.

Congratulations to the winners, and thanks to all who entered!
  Author:





Upcoming Events
20-09-2011 Smarter Planet Innovation and Entrepreneurship with IBM - Seminar
event image Informatics Ventures and the School of Informatics at The University of Edinburgh, in association with the Edinburgh Centre for Climate Change, are hosting an event with IBM on Tuesday 20th September 2011 at the Informatics Forum in Edinburgh.

Whether you’re a high tech startup, spinout, an existing SME or generally interested in the smarter planet agenda, we would like to invite you to join us for some nibbles and drinks and learn more about our ongoing engagement and the initiatives, such as IBM’s Smarter Planet and in particular the opportunity to participate in IBM SmartCamp London in November 2011.

To attend please register at: http://smarterplanet.eventbrite.com/

Key Speaker(s): IBM
Refreshments: Coffee, tea, and networking drinks and refreshments.
Price: FREE
Web Registration: Click Here
Location:

Informatics Forum, 10 Crichton Street, Edinburgh, Midlothian EH8 9AB
Time: 15:30 - 20:00
21-09-2011 Meet the Entrepreneur - E-Club event with MBM Commercial - Speaker Event
event image This is the first of a series of talks by highly successful local entrepreneurs who have either founded or developed their own companies from Edinburgh. The series is hosted by the University of Edinburgh Entrepreneurship Club. Each speaker has a different and engaging story to tell about their journey from start-up to where they are now. The series as a whole will bring you a wealth of insights into new venture creation, including how they developed their products, markets, and teams, as well as how they attracted funding.

The companies span a range of industry sectors, including information technology, high street retail, lifesciences equipment and consumables, and green technology consulting. So come along, be inspired, and participate in the question and answer session. Each event is followed by a networking drinks reception.

Key Speaker(s): Chris Tiso of Tiso Outdoor Clothing
Refreshments:

The event will be followed by a networking drinks reception.
Price: Free
Location: The University of Edinburgh Business School Auditorium
Time: 06:30 - 08:00
28-09-2011 Business Start Up Workshop - Workshop / Clinic
event image Learn about the practical aspects of setting up a business. Business Advisor Brian Baillie will cover all the basics, including:

  • finding the best business structure for your idea or venture,
  • managing business records,
  • legal aspects of setting up a business,
  • why you need a business plan, and
  • tax, national insurance and VAT.

If this event is fully booked:
Our workshops are frequently over-subscribed. If you have a business idea and would like support and advice, the fastest way to speak to one of our business advisers may be to book a free one-to-one appointment.

Email enquiries@launch.ed.ac.uk or call 01314724700 to arrange a meeting. For more information about all of LAUNCH.ed's free business support services and events, visit www.launch.ed.ac.uk.

Key Speaker(s): Brian Baillie
Refreshments: None
Price: Free
Email Registration: enquiries@launch.ed.ac.uk
Web Registration: Click Here
Location: LAUNCH.ed
3rd floor, Alrick Building
King's Buildings
Gate 4
Time: 12:00 - 02:00
29-09-2011 Cheese, Wine, and Entrepreneurship! - Speaker Event
event image

Come along and find out about the University societies, clubs, and services that are available to the entrepreneurially-minded at Edinburgh. Everyone's invited! 

Agenda:

6.15–6.30 Welcome and registration

6.30–7.00 Brief introduction from the Entrepreneurship Club and LAUNCH.ed

7.00–7.30 Panel discussion with three student entrepreneurs: Eimear O'Carroll of Restored Hearing, Andrew Williamson of Backstage Cities, and Philip Roberts of The Float Yard.

7.30–8.00 Q&A

8.00–9.00 Cheese and wine! 

This event is free and open to all, so please just come along at 6.15 on Thursday.

Key Speaker(s): Student entrepreneurs
Refreshments: A cheese and wine reception, to follow the event.
Price: Free
Location: The University of Edinburgh Business School Auditorium.
Time: 06:15 - 09:00
30-09-2011 Breakfast with RSE Fellowship research funding - Workshop / Clinic
event image Come to this free workshop to learn more about the Royal Society of Edinburgh's Enterprise Fellowship Programme, which funds scientific research in areas which have commercial potential.

Agenda
10:00 am - Coffee and bacon rolls
10.20 am -Welcome and introductions
10.25 am - Anne Fraser, RSE, presentation on the Fellowship opportunity and application process
10.35 am -The GO Group Business Training and mentoring during the Fellowship
10.45 am - Q&A
11.00 am - A former Enterprise Fellow Presentation on the Fellowship experience
11:15 am - Q&A
11:30 am - One to one question sessions if required
12.00 noon - Finish

Book your space now on MyEd.

Refreshments: Bacon rolls, tea and coffee.
Price: Free
Web Registration: Click Here
Location: Room 7.15, Michael Swann Buildings, King's Buildings
Time: 10:00 - 12:00
05-10-2011 Entrepreneurship Club: Girl Geeks Entrepreneurs - Speaker Event
event image The Girl Geek network spans the globe and brings together women working in science and technology. Girl Geek Scotland events include regular dinners, networking events and weekend workshops.

Tonight's E-Club speakers include a group of girl geek entrepreneurs. Each speaker will give an overview of their business and describe their start up experience. The short talks will be followed by a question and answer panel session.

Speakers:

Mirren Fisher, Luxuryhound
Kirsty Burnham, SoLoCo
Sara Shinton, Shinton Consulting

Web Registration: Click Here
Location: Business School, 29 Buccleuch Place, Edinburgh

Auditorium
Time: 18:30 - 20:00
05-10-2011 Market Research Workshop - Workshop / Clinic
event image Market research is one of the most important steps to complete before starting any business. Understanding what your customers want—and will be prepared to pay for—is the key to business success. You must also understand how your offer compares to your competitors'. Come to this seminar to understand how to approach your market research and to learn more about the resources available to you.

If this event is fully booked:
Our workshops are frequently over-subscribed. If you have a business idea and would like support and advice, the fastest way to speak to one of our business advisers may be to book a free one-to-one appointment.

Just email enquiries@launch.ed.ac.uk or call 01314724700 to arrange a meeting. For more information about all of LAUNCH.ed's free business support services and events, visit www.launch.ed.ac.uk.

Key Speaker(s): Brian Baillie
Refreshments: None        
Price: Free
Email Registration: enquiries@launch.ed.ac.uk
Web Registration: Click Here
Location: LAUNCH.ed
3rd floor, Alrick Building
King's Buildings
Gate 4
Time: 12:00 - 02:00
12-10-2011 Meet the Entrepreneur - E-Club event with MBM Commercial - Speaker Event
event image This is the second of a series of talks by highly successful local entrepreneurs who have either founded or developed their own companies from Edinburgh. The series is hosted by the University of Edinburgh Entrepreneurship Club. Each speaker has a different and engaging story to tell about their journey from start-up to where they are now. The series as a whole will bring you a wealth of insights into new venture creation, including how they developed their products, markets, and teams, as well as how they attracted funding.

The companies span a range of industry sectors, including information technology, high street retail, lifesciences equipment and consumables, and green technology consulting. So come along, be inspired, and participate in the question and answer session. Each event is followed by a networking drinks reception.

Key Speaker(s): Aydin Kurt-Elli of Lumison
Refreshments: The event will be followed by a networking drinks reception.
Price: Free
Location: The University of Edinburgh Business School Auditorium
Time: 18:30 - 20:00
19-10-2011 Business Planning Workshop - Workshop / Clinic
event image Learn how to structure a business plan, with particular emphasis on financial documents and how to create them using Business Plan Pro.

If this event is fully booked:
Our workshops are frequently over-subscribed. If you have a business idea and would like support and advice, the fastest way to speak to one of our business advisers may be to book a free one-to-one appointment.

Just email enquiries@launch.ed.ac.uk or call 01314724700 to arrange a meeting. For more information about all of LAUNCH.ed's free business support services and events, visit www.launch.ed.ac.uk.

Key Speaker(s): Brian Baillie
Refreshments: None
Price: Free
Email Registration: enquiries@launch.ed.ac.uk
Web Registration: Click Here
Location: LAUNCH.ed
3rd floor, Alrick Building
King's Buildings
Gate 4
Time: 12:00 - 02:00
19-10-2011 Free Legal Clinics - Workshop / Clinic
event image Need some legal advice for your company or business idea? Book a free 45 minute appointment with a lawyer to discuss things like:
  • Terms and conditions for your website
  • Contracts of employment
  • Forming a company
  • Shareholders agreements
  • Taking on interns/casual staff
To book a meeting, email enquiries@launch.ed.ac.uk

Key Speaker(s): Harper Macleod
Price: Free
Email Registration: enquiries@launch.ed.ac.uk
Location: LAUNCH.ed offices
3rd Floor, Alrick Building
King's Buildings
Time: 09:00 - 17:00
20-10-2011 IBM Smartcamp London - Competition / Award Deadline
event image On Thursday, 17th November, take part in IBM SmartCamp London. SmartCamp is an exclusive global program bringing together entrepreneurs, investors and experienced mentors who want to build a Smarter Planet. SmartCamp provides access to world-class advisors plus a direct route to seed and venture capital.

The deadline for the upcoming IBM SmartCamp London is Thursday 20th October, so high tech startup or existing small businesses: follow this link to register.

Since November 2010 SmartCamp finalists have raised more than $25m total in venture capital funding. including Streetline($15m) , CareCloud ($5m), Panoramic Power ($4.8), and Sproxil ($1.8m). On August 25th 2011, Dow Jones featured a story titled "Big Blue Banks On Small Start-Ups For Growth"—which included good coverage of a number of SmartCamp companies.

Price: Free
Location: London
Time: 11:00 - 11:59
Deadline: 20-10-2011
26-10-2011 Pitching Event - Workshop / Clinic
event image A practical workshop to help you develop a winning business pitch.

If this event is fully booked:
Our workshops are frequently over-subscribed. If you have a business idea and would like support and advice, the fastest way to speak to one of our business advisers may be to book a free one-to-one appointment.

Just email enquiries@launch.ed.ac.uk or call 01314724700 to arrange a meeting. For more information about all of LAUNCH.ed's free business support services and events, visit www.launch.ed.ac.uk.

Key Speaker(s): Tom McGuire
Refreshments: None
Price: Free
Email Registration: enquiries@launch.ed.ac.uk
Web Registration: Click Here
Location: LAUNCH.ed
3rd floor, Alrick Building
King's Buildings
Gate 4
Time: 12:00 - 02:00
26-10-2011 Meet the Entrepreneur - E-Club event with MBM Commercial - Speaker Event
event image This is the third of a series of talks by highly successful local entrepreneurs who have either founded or developed their own companies from Edinburgh. The series is hosted by the University of Edinburgh Entrepreneurship Club. Each speaker has a different and engaging story to tell about their journey from start-up to where they are now. The series as a whole will bring you a wealth of insights into new venture creation, including how they developed their products, markets, and teams, as well as how they attracted funding.

The companies span a range of industry sectors, including information technology, high street retail, lifesciences equipment and consumables, and green technology consulting. So come along, be inspired, and participate in the question and answer session. Each event is followed by a networking drinks reception.

Key Speaker(s): Joel Fernley of Lab 901
Refreshments: The event will be followed by a networking drinks reception.
Price: Free
Location: The University of Edinburgh Business School Auditorium.
Time: 18:30 - 20:00
26-10-2011 Edinburgh Elevator Networking - Networking
event image FREE BUSINESS NETWORKING CLUB

Elevator events are for people aged 18-30 who are in business or are thinking about going into business. So if you want to meet like minded people to share ideas with, strike business deals, and most of all, have a great night out, then Elevator is for you!

To book a place email rosie.dowie@psybt.org.uk




Refreshments: A free drink
Price: Free + free drink
Email Registration: rosie.dowie@psybt.org.uk
Web Registration: Click Here
Location: Shanghai Nightclub
Le Monde
George Street
Edinburgh
Time: 06:15 - 09:00
01-11-2011 Adventurers from a Corporate Entrepreneur - Speaker Event
event image Market Gravity is a specialist growth and innovation consultancy that helps companies introduce new business initiatives from concept through to delivery. Their presentation will cover the key themes of their recent publication "Adventures of a Corporate Entrepreneur". This will be followed by a representative from Lloyds Banking Group who will explain how they try to apply these principles in the bank. The structure of the guest lecture and Q&A session will follow some of the key stages of creating a corporate venture, for example:

1) The success trap and the need for change
2) Building the team
3) Avoiding "venture death"
4) Achieving scale

Key Speaker(s): Market Gravity consultancy
Price: Free
Location: The University of Edinburgh Business School, Lecture Theatre 7
Time: 18:30 - 20:00
02-11-2011 Business Start Up Workshop - Workshop / Clinic
event image Learn about the practical aspects of setting up a business. Business Advisor Brian Baillie will cover all the basics, including: 

  • finding the best business structure for your idea or venture,
  • managing business records,
  • legal aspects of setting up a business,
  • why you need a business plan, and
  • tax, national insurance and VAT.

If this event is fully booked: 
Our workshops are frequently over-subscribed. If you have a business idea and would like support and advice, the fastest way to speak to one of our business advisers may be to book a free one-to-one appointment.

Email enquiries@launch.ed.ac.uk or call 01314724700 to arrange a meeting. For more information about all of LAUNCH.ed's free business support services and events, visit www.launch.ed.ac.uk. 

Key Speaker(s): Brian Baillie
Refreshments: None
Price: Free
Email Registration: enquiries@launch.ed.ac.uk
Web Registration: Click Here
Location: LAUNCH.ed
3rd floor, Alrick Building
King's Buildings
Gate 4
Time: 12:00 - 02:00
05-11-2011 Startup Saturday - Competition / Award Deadline
event image On Saturday, 5th November, we're hosting a special half-day workshop to help you bridge the gap between your business idea and your first customers!

This workshop is aimed particularly at anyone entering the Business Ideas Competition or EPSRC Tech Challenge, but is also open to any other interested students.

What you'll get out of it:
  • a structured way to "search" for the perfect business model for your idea
  • dedicated help from experienced mentors and entrepreneurs
  • a specific plan of action to test and improve your business idea (and to strengthen your Business Ideas Competition entry!)
  • an opportunity to follow-up with mentors at a later date.

Registrations now open: http://startupsaturday2011.eventbrite.com/

Refreshments: Breakfast and refreshments provided
Price: Free
Web Registration: Click Here
Location: Informatics Forum
Time: 09:00 - 13:00
Deadline: 05-11-2011
07-11-2011 Santander Pitching Competition - Competition / Award Deadline
event image Deadline for applications: 7th November
Pitching competition: 23rd November
Prize: £1000!

Have you applied for the Entrepreneurship Club's pitching competition yet? You could win £1000! To apply for a pitching slot please send a summary of your business plan (max 300 words) to entrepreneurship@ed.ac.uk by Monday 7th November.

Email Registration: entrepreneurship@ed.ac.uk
Time: 00:01 - 23:59
Deadline: 07-11-2011
09-11-2011 Market Research Workshop - Workshop / Clinic
event image Market research is one of the most important steps to complete before starting any business. Understanding what your customers want—and will be prepared to pay for—is the key to business success. You must also understand how your offer compares to your competitors'. Come to this seminar to understand how to approach your market research and to learn more about the resources available to you. 

If this event is fully booked: 
Our workshops are frequently over-subscribed. If you have a business idea and would like support and advice, the fastest way to speak to one of our business advisers may be to book a free one-to-one appointment. 

Just email enquiries@launch.ed.ac.uk or call 01314724700 to arrange a meeting. For more information about all of LAUNCH.ed's free business support services and events, visit www.launch.ed.ac.uk. 

Key Speaker(s): Brian Baillie
Refreshments: None
Price: Free
Email Registration: enquiries@launch.ed.ac.uk
Web Registration: Click Here
Location: LAUNCH.ed
3rd floor, Alrick Building
King's Buildings
Gate 4
Time: 12:00 - 14:00
09-11-2011 Meet the Entrepreneur - E-Club event with MBM Commercial - Speaker Event
event image This is the fourth of a series of talks by highly successful local entrepreneurs who have either founded or developed their own companies from Edinburgh. The series is hosted by the University of Edinburgh Entrepreneurship Club. Each speaker has a different and engaging story to tell about their journey from start-up to where they are now. The series as a whole will bring you a wealth of insights into new venture creation, including how they developed their products, markets, and teams, as well as how they attracted funding.

The companies span a range of industry sectors, including information technology, high street retail, lifesciences equipment and consumables, and green technology consulting. So come along, be inspired, and participate in the question and answer session. Each event is followed by a networking drinks reception.

Key Speaker(s): Dr. Richard Tipper of Ecometrica
Refreshments: The event will be followed by a networking drinks reception.
Price: Free
Location: The University of Edinburgh Business School Auditorium.
Time: 18:30 - 20:00
16-11-2011 Edinburgh Enterprise Day - Conference
event image

Enterprise Day will help you discover whether entrepreneurship is a viable career option for you, and will give you the confidence to innovate, come up with new ideas, and develop existing ideas into successful businesses!

We kick off with a keynote presentation at 2pm followed by a series of practical workshops. In the evening, we'll hear from several companies about their experiences and challenges, followed by Q&A and a drinks reception.

This event is co-hosted by the Scottish Institute for Enterprise. See the full agenda, or register for this event.

Refreshments: Light refreshments provided.
Price: Free
Web Registration: Click Here
Location: The University of Edinburgh Business School.
Time: 02:00 - 07:00