Good Practice from Opening Doors Network

Programme

Indra Pooran Boosting Ethnic Minority Entrepreneurship

Conference 21 October 2014

• Opening Doors is a new type of enterprise programme for London to create the next entrepreneurial generation

• Designed as an incubator for ideas and a connection hub, it is aimed at young adults irrespective of the chances they have had in life

• The programme mixes practical workshops focussing on: – Identifying business idea

– Marketing/social media

– Financial planning/cashflow

– Completing a business plan

– How/where to access start-up funding

• One-to-one business clinics providing bespoke support

• Networking opportunities

• Test trade opportunities

• Role model entrepreneurs sharing their experiences

Xaymaca Test Trade at Spurs Friendly

Test Trade at ABi

Stephen Williams MP at THF Test Trade event

What’s working well

• Experienced partners delivering training

• Practical workshops that are hands-on

• Peer-to-peer support

• Real entrepreneurs delivering some sessions

• Tailored support for all participants

• Opportunity to test trade

• Opportunity to network with all ODN participants

• Opportunity to ‘pitch’ business ideas to experts

Feedback from participants

“lots of practical advice – not just learning theory”

“I love talking to everyone on the course and hearing their experiences”

“it’s really useful to have experienced business people share how they started their business and made it work”

“I didn’t realise how easy it was to start my own business but Opening Doors has shown me how to do it”

“I can’t believe I now own my own business and am making it work for me and my family”

“Dragon’s Den” style pitching event

Lessons learned

• Word-of-mouth is best marketing tool

• Short, sharp courses have better attendance/retention

• Use of social media to keep participants engaged

• Using experienced entrepreneurs who have travelled the start-up journey gives credibility

• Linking participants to organisations providing start-up funding

Speed Networking Event

Tuesday 28 October

From 5.30 - 8.30 pm

Bathtub 2 Boardroom 1 Frederick's Place, London EC2R

8AE

Guest speakers include Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon

Free to attend

Refreshments and light bites served

For further information

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