The return of the Tech Startup School
The BEN Tech Startup School (TSS) is running again this autumn, to help local aspiring and current entrepreneurs start or grow their own businesses. This year's theme is lean start up - an approach to starting a business that recommends bringing a product or service to the market early in order to test market assumptions, while minimising waste and costs.
TSS is a series of 8 events that tackle the challenges faced by early stage businesses. The kick-off event, on the 6th October at the new Bristol & Bath Science Park in Emersons Green, Bristol, focuses on lean organisation. This is followed by a series of parallel events in Bristol and Bath, on finance, marketing and strategy. Each event features an expert speaker and an entrepreneur case study speaker.
Science City Bristol, which runs BEN, is encouraging people to register for the TSS now. Entrepreneurs will take away knowledge that will help them set up their businesses and meet people who have been through the experience before. Many people have a good idea for an innovative product or service, but are not sure how to take it further. TSS will help them develop their business plan and learn some key business skills. Attendees will also have a valuable networking opportunity with the wider business community at Venturefest Bristol 2011, on the 3rd November 2011 at the Bristol & Bath Science Park.
Maff Rigby attended the first Tech Startup School in 2010. He commented "I was inspired to set out on my own and build my own company. We have developed an online IT Service Management platform called IT Smart Desk (www.itsmartdesk.com)". They are now at a point where their product is ready to demo. As a testament to his support for the TSS, Maff will be returning this year to share his experience with the new wave of upcoming tech entrepreneurs.
TSS is run in collaboration with BCS Bristol branch, the Bristol & Bath Science Park, Bath Ventures Innovation Centre, SETsquared Bristol and UWE Ventures. This year's TSS is now open for delegate registration. You can see more details and book your place for one or all of the events at:http://tss11-overview.eventbrite.com/