www.flyingstartonline.com

A recent independent report by EKOS found:

 - The estimated potential return on investment of the FlyingStart project is 17:1  
- Net additional GVA of £14,719,653
- and 123 net additional jobs 

The summary is available for download.

The aim of FlyingStart is to encourage more students and graduates to think about starting a business and to help them to realise their ambitions and support new businesses.

Since its inception, FlyingStart has engaged with over 30,000 students and graduates, 1088 have attended a three day business start-up programme, with 465 starting a business.

FlyingStart provides over 4,000 students each year with enterprising extracurricular activities throughout English universities. These activities range from workshop events, supporting universities enterprise societies, providing national industry sector start-up programmes and mentoring student start-ups. Our online community of more than 26,000 student entrepreneurs through www.flyingstartonline.com provides funding information, event management, expert help and mentoring.

Workshops

These are inspirational, networking or skills based events which cater for the students who may be considering becoming self employed or have a business idea. Our inspirational events have included James Caan, Doug Richards, Louise Marsh, Mike Southon and Imran Hakim. Skills workshops develop the student’s ability in marketing, sales, finance and company administration.

Societies

A key part of university entrepreneurial life is the ability for students to network with like minded entrepreneurs. The development of student enterprise societies is important in developing the culture, mind set and life skills required for students starting or managing a business.  It is important they are integrated into the university’s services and networked with other societies across the UK. FlyingStart supports these societies through funding events, ensuring their inter-society network and ensuring they are working closely with the university staff.

Programmes

In the last year, FlyingStart has taken 389 participants through 15 FlyingStart Programmes. We run national programmes based on key industry sectors and also university based programmes based on their needs. These intensive three day events take the student through their business from needs analysis, business planning, finance, marketing, sales, company formation, taxation, intellectual property to the creation of business pitch.

Online

FlyingStart Online provides students with the resources and contacts to help them start a business. There is also mentoring for those who have a business idea and want to take it forward.  There is also a database of finance sources which they can explore by type of finance (loan, equity etc) and also by sector and region if necessary. It also links to Business Link resources. 

They can network with all 26000+ users and there a link to experts and specialist support in specific sectors. There is the ability to find out what enterprise events and support is available in their local university, as well as networking with national support organisations, mentors, experts other students interested in starting a business.

FlyingStart provides a range of events, programmes, societies and online support than in previous years. We have also engaged with more universities and students than ever before, providing inspiration, skills and networking students into local businesses and support organisations.

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