Published: 29 November 2024
In early November, a group of Business Management and Entrepreneurship Top-Up students pitched their market-ready business ideas to successful entrepreneurs – gaining valuable insight on marketing and how to stand out from the competition.
A telemedicine platform for the UK-based Romanian community, a student-focused beauty salon, an urban smart farm. These were just some of the exciting and futuristic business proposals created, from scratch, over six weeks by University of Sunderland in London students as part of a business incubator programme.
The programme culminated with eight of the students who took part presenting their business ideas - in just three minutes - to young entrepreneurs, some of whom are based right next to the university in Canary Wharf. Ensuring their business ideas had a positive impact, all proposals were required to support the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
Such activities enhance student learning and support the Business Management and Entrepreneurship (Top-Up) course’s focus on entrepreneurship and equipping students with the skills they need to start and run their own business.
One of the entrepreneurs at the event was Marianne Olaleye, founder of marketing agency JAIKU, who delivered an engaging presentation on her business story. Marianne gave students valuable guidance on being crystal clear on messaging and the power of storytelling.
Providing students with ‘real-life, impactful learning’
Marianne’s presentation was followed by Ali Youssef and Jan Gasiewski, founders of start-up software provider, Skillwork, based in Canary Wharf. Ali and Jan shared their rapid business growth story – emphasising the importance of finance and ‘knowing your numbers’ as well as communicating the value your business can add to the customer.
The business incubator programme and pitching sessions were organised by Dr. Doyin Olorunfemi, Lecturer in Business Management (employability focus), who outlined the value “The programme has really built the students’ confidence and given them the opportunity to engage with young entrepreneurs – providing real-life, impactful learning. I am grateful to Ali, Jan, and Marianne for their time and sharing their insight.”.
