Celebration of budding entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurial students at the University of Wolverhampton who have launched their own businesses will be showcasing their companies at a special celebration.

Over fifty SPEED WM students from across the region will be showcasing their fledgling businesses to local entrepreneurs and business people at an event at Aston Villa Football Ground in Birmingham on Friday (4 May 2012).

The innovative businesses launched by students include an eco-friendly sports car company, a project management and project surgery business, an innovative fashion and lifestyle e-commerce firm, bespoke fascinator design/creation, children’s book illustration and an interactive educational game for disabled children.

Among those attending will be Lynsey Harris, from Brierley Hill, who launched her own jewellery and clothing business, Lynsey Luu, which has received the backing of Dragon’s Den star Theo Paphitis on Twitter.

The event is to mark the end of the current SPEED WM programme, which involves eight regional universities and is led by the University of Wolverhampton.

The scheme offers students and graduates from any course the opportunity to develop their business ideas and provides access to experienced mentoring support, tailored training, networking opportunities and a limited amount of financial support.

Sarah Taylor, Programme Manager, said: “The SPEED WM – Entrepreneurs Past and Present event is a celebration of all that is great about entrepreneurship in the West Midlands. Our enthusiastic SPEED WM participants will be showcasing their businesses whilst sharing their personal experiences and gaining encouragement from successful local business people.

“We’re proud of everything our SPEED WM entrepreneurs have achieved and look forward to hearing their success stories as they take the next steps in their careers.”

The event from 9.30am until 2pm will feature a motivational session from David Hyner of Stretch Development.

Applications are now open for the next cohort of budding entrepreneurs, and will run from September 2012 to February 2013. Visit: www.speedwm-wlv.org for more information including the application form.

ENDS

For more information please contact Vickie Warren in the Media Relations Office on 01902 322736

ompanies at a special celebration.