Truly inspiring and
exciting ideas came out of the four roundtable
discussions of interprise:13 at Great John Street Hotel, Manchester. Our third 'Pop-Up' event in the city was again supported by
Berg and was the first stage of interprise, which will be followed up in
November during Global Entrepreneurship Week.
After introductions from PSC Founder Helene
Martin Gee, the event opened with a captivating and informative talk from Sara
McKee. Sara outlined her fascinating background working for major companies, including with highly successful entrepreneurs.
She gave us excellent tips on running a business and reaching the top. Sara has often seen men are readier to take opportunities as
they come, whereas sometimes women spend too long considering the situation
‘Don’t wait for the tiara to be put on your head!’
It’s often said women don’t put themselves forward unless they’re sure they have all the necessary requirements, while men will more likely take a chance. Sara is confident to explore opportunities: ‘I’m the 70% woman! If I have that much of the ask I’m willing to give it a go – you can always learn the rest’
Then onto the debate, as women from the North West, London and further afield discussed four key questions on how we could help to inspire enterprise and ‘Take a Step Forward’ the theme of the 2013 Global Entrepreneurship Week.
How to provide a launch pad for more women to start the businesses of tomorrow
How we encourage successful
women to back female entrepreneurs and invest in women-led businesses
How to inspire people over
50 into setting up a business
And finally, female representation
on boards and in public life.
Each group was randomly allocated a question and after animated discussion within the four groups, each chairman brought conversation to a close as the group decided upon an idea to put forward to the whole audience. There was then a debate on the ideas, chaired by Jill Pay.
As the group chair presented each idea to the wider audience many excellent suggestions were made. These included a ‘talking heads’ road show for successful women entrepreneurs and business leaders to act as role models for other women and inspire more business start-ups. This to be both virtual via the internet and actual, to visit different regions.
Another idea was to create an interactive central hub where business owners and emerging entrepreneurs could collaborate and share resources and experiences, to support and encourage each other. With match funding for business ideas from those already in business.
Education was much discussed, with emphasis being upon bringing entrepreneurial thinking into the curriculum at a much earlier age. It was agreed to be key that knowledge is shared between generations. This was also explored by another group who suggested an Ideas Forum, everyone bringing something to the forum such two-way coaching and mentoring, seed corn or expansion funding.
This Think & Do Tank was mirrored
by the final group who put forward the idea of the ‘Give it a Go’ Foundation
where businesses, Government and business people all work together to encourage
and support start-ups and growing businesses.
After a vote, it was clear the overwhelming majority voted ‘Give it a Go’ the winning idea. Although as Helene said many aspects were included in each conversation. Along with all the brilliant ideas from each discussion, outcomes will be published shortly.
After a vote, it was clear the overwhelming majority voted ‘Give it a Go’ the winning idea. Although as Helene said many aspects were included in each conversation. Along with all the brilliant ideas from each discussion, outcomes will be published shortly.
