B-Enterprising launches New Start-Up Fund

Sometimes the only barrier to developing a fledgling idea for a new product or service is funding. With this in mind, the  B-Enterprising Project at  the University’s Careers and Employability Service has developed an entirely new initiative for Bangor University – the Start-Up Fund, whereby individual students, groups or Student Union societies can submit a business idea and if shortlisted have the opportunity to pitch to a panel of judges.  Through this initiative, funded by the Welsh Government, students can win up to £150 in funding to take the first steps into business in a risk-free environment.

The first round generated an exciting range of new ideas.  A panel of five judges rated shortlisted entries against criteria of feasibility and innovation.  First prize of £150 was awarded to Thomas Potter, a postgraduate from the School of Ocean Science, for an innovative idea centred around beekeeping through engagement with the local community. Entries from Streetlaw, Bangor Special Olympics and Recipe in a Jar achieved joint second and BUBES (Bangor University Business & Enterprise Society), OTC and New Music Concert coming in at joint third. Congratulations to all winners and thanks to all the contributors.

“It is fascinating to see student ideas percolating at various stages of development, from the germ of an innovative idea to a complete business plan. I feel privileged to be involved, however small a way, in that growth.” Ffion Llwyd-Jones, FLJ Media

We at the Careers & Employability Service are constantly surprised at the number of creative business ideas we come across from students from all disciplines – some generated by competitions and events, others that they may have been mulling over for years, looking for a bit of extra advice and support. This new initiative gives us the means to tap into this creative seam and enable them to take it to the next stage.  Participating students will earn xp points towards the Bangor Employability Award. There will be another opportunity for student to pitch in semester two.

Student Finalists:

Beekeeping - Thomas Potter, School of Ocean Science

Streelaw – Iwan Emlyn Jones, Joshua Simpson, Thomas Pugh Jones, School of Law

Bangor Special Olympics - Lucy Bryning , Stacey Hunter, Ceri Christian Jones – School of Psychology                     

 Claire Massey , Niamh-Elizabeth Reilly – School of Sports, Health & Exercise Science

Recipe in  a Jar – Natalie Pluck, Lisa Marie Oliver – School of Psychology,  Adam Sharpley School of Biological Sciences

Bangor University Officer Training Corp (OTC) - Lindsay Hurst , School of Sports, Health & Exercise Science,  Harry McCarthy, School of Linguistics & English Language

Bangor University Business & Enterprise Society (BUBES) – Samantha Austin & Matthew Jackson, School of Linguistics & English Language

New Music Concert – Allen Ince, Robert Thompson – School of Music

Publication date: 21 November 2011