Imperial invites entrepreneurs to develop their ideas at Dispatch Day

Budding entrepreneurs could get the know-how to set up their own business at a free event, held at Imperial College Business School.

The Dispatch Day, which is open to anyone with a business idea and those with a business, will introduce visitors to organisations that could provide assistance to develop and grow a business.  This ranges from access to finance, mentoring and support networks as well as providing advice on trademarking products. The Dispatch Day is on 28 May 2014 from 4-8pm.

Visitors can talk through their business ideas with more than 30 companies including Start Up Loans.  This is a government funded scheme that provides loans and mentoring to entrepreneurs.  Budding business people can also attend presentations about how to secure funding, how to launch a new business and they will also look at ways of building a network of business contacts.  

According to recent figures from the Confederation of British Industry, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) account for 99.9% of private sector companies and provide 60% of private sector jobs.  These enterprises have an important role to play in driving growth, opening new markets and creating jobs.  However, some SMEs often find it difficult to expand their businesses because they find it difficult to access resources, funding and build new key business relationships. The Dispatch Day aims to foster greater business development in the UK by connecting entrepreneurs with organisations that can guide them on how to increase their business visibility and attractiveness to potential investors.

Dr Marco Mongiello, Director of MSc Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Management, at Imperial College Business School, said:

“This unique event will be the largest entrepreneurial occasion in London.  It will provide visitors with the chance to start a dialogue with our leading participating organisations.  They will provide participants with the advice and practical support they need to translate their ideas into potential success.  Entrepreneurship plays a key role in the UK’s economy from creating jobs to increasing competition.  This event is a real chance for budding entrepreneurs out there to take full advantage of the opportunities that we offering through this free event. ”

The organisations participating at The Dispatch Day cover many different industries and provide a wide variety of different services. The list includes:

Level39

Level39 is Europe’s largest technology accelerator space for finance, retail and future cities technology companies.

TechHub

Community and workspace for tech entrepreneurs.

SeedCamp

The most connected international startup investor in the world and is Europe's leading startup investment and mentoring program.

Microsoft Ventures

Strategic partner for startups around the world focused on business growth and  development, industrial strength technology and usable products.

Imperial Create Lab (Imperial Innovations)

Brings together the innovators, makers and game-changers to hack, learn and build things that matter.

Start Up loans

A government funded scheme to provide loans and mentors for entrepreneurs

Start-Up Chile

A Chilean Government program to attract world-class early stage entrepreneurs to start their business in Chile.

Bethnal Green Ventures

Supports startups with design, building and growth.

InnovationRCA Incubator

Provides support, funds and work space to students, graduates and startups to help them protect and commercialise pioneering design-led technologies.

For more information or to register for the event: 

//wwwf.imperial.ac.uk/business-school/campaigns/dispatch-day/