Enterprising Futures: Connect Create Collaborate

The B-Enterprising team spent their contractual volunteering time working with business studies year 12 students from Joseph Chamberlain College (JCC) to inspire enterprise, innovation, and creativity. Using our skills and expertise in programme and event coordination, we delivered an event where students generated ideas to build a commercially viable tropical island, addressing sustainability issues and real-world problems. Students built their teamwork and presentation skills through sharing their ideas to a group of judges to win the grand prize. 

Students from the B-Enterprising Student Enterprise Ambassador (SEA) programme and the Outreach Officer programme, were on hand to deliver excellent support throughout the day. JCC students asked them questions about university life and worked with them to grow their ideas. 

The afternoon saw our very own University of Birmingham entrepreneurs deliver talks about their ventures and experiences. SEA Alex Perry, spoke about the setbacks of pursuing the niche industry lego art design, along with the triumphs when sales finally land. Elevate and Female Founder programme runner-up Abi Edmunds, discussed her business Social Media Resilience and the dangers of doom scrolling (something we can all relate to!). She spoke at depths about the barriers she had to overcome to build confidence in the venture, but also herself.  

The students at staff from JCC had inquisitive questions for our entrepreneurs: 

• “Would you give up your degree to do this full time?” 
• “How do I stop procrastinating?” 
• “What was your biggest challenge?” 
• “How much money do you make?” 

• 
  

JCC staff feedback stated: 

• “They (the students) were very engaged. The session allowed them to be creative and is different to their everyday learning.” 
• “I would definitely bring my students to an event like this again” 
• “The day was well structured and the content was appropriate.” 
• “It is great to bring the students to UoB. They get to see they students having lunch, going about their everyday lives. This lets them see that one day they too could come here.” 

• 
  

JCC students feedback outlined: 

• 92% agreed that the day met their expectations 
• 84% agreed that the skills, knowledge, and insights gained were useful
• 88% agreed that they would recommend the programme to friends and colleagues 

 

It was inspirational to see young entrepreneurial minds at work and the impact the day had on those involved. Hopefully, one day soon we will see some of the students wandering around the campus searching for their lecture room, walking under Old Joe (definitely not when the bell is chiming) or maybe even taking part in another B-Enterprising activity. Who knows what the future may hold. With our help, it could B-enterprising… 

 

From Farm to Flat White: Kahawa Roots Brewing Change

At B-Enterprising, entrepreneurship isn’t just about starting a business—it’s about creating impact. Kahawa Roots UK LTD is a shining example of this ethos. Founded by MSc Sustainable Innovation and Entrepreneurship students Rupal Karar and Cetric Mululu, Kahawa Roots is more than a coffee company; it’s a movement for fairness, sustainability, and transparency in the global coffee trade.

A Vision Born from Experience ☕

The idea for Kahawa Roots began with a simple but powerful observation: Kenyan smallholder farmers produce some of the world’s finest Arabica coffee, yet they often earn very little due to intermediaries and lack of traceability. Cetric, who grew up in Kenya, saw this disparity first hand. Years later, at the University of Birmingham, he met Rupal, and together they decided to change the narrative.

Their mission? To connect farmers directly with conscious consumers and UK roasters, ensuring fair prices, premium quality, and sustainable practices. Kahawa Roots owns and integrates every step of the process—from farming and processing to export and delivery—creating a transparent supply chain that empowers farmers and protects biodiversity.

Support from B-Enterprising

"We received valuable support from the B-Enterprising team during the early stages of Kahawa Root's development. Their guidance helped us refine our business model, connect with relevant networks, and access resources tailored for social enterprises. Overall, B-Enterprising played a key role in shaping our strategy and accelerating our progress towards launching a mission-driven coffee business" - Rupal

Kahawa Roots received the £500 Start-Up Fund grant, as well as accessing Business Start-Up Advice.

Where They Are Now

Kahawa Roots has already established operations in Kenya, partnering with over 2,000 smallholder farmers. They’re in advanced talks with UK specialty roasters and working on certifications and a digital traceability platform to scale their impact. Their goal is clear: measurable social and environmental change, aligned with global sustainability goals. 

They have also secured a place on this years UoB Elevate at The Exchange cohort, check out their profile.

A Brew with Purpose 🍵

Kahawa Roots isn’t just about coffee—it’s about creating a fairer, greener future. Every cup tells a story of resilience, adaptability, and community empowerment. As Rupal says, success isn’t just about having a great idea; it’s about persistent execution and listening to the communities you serve.

Read more about Kahawa Roots by visiting their website.

From Stage to Start-Up: Ashlin Evans Creative 🎭

Meet Ashlin Evans a passionate MRes Interdisciplinary Studies graduate at the University of Birmingham who’s turning creativity into a career through her freelance business, Ashlin Evans Creative.

Ashlin is on the cusp of officially registering her business, which brings together her diverse skills in film, TV, theatre, and live events. But what truly sets them apart is their commitment to neurodiversity representation and accessibility — a focus shaped by her own lived experience and academic research.

“I wanted to integrate all my employable skills in one place,” Ashlin explains. “Many actors register as self-employed or specialise in one discipline, but I wanted to create a career that draws from my strengths and allows me to collaborate across boundaries.”

 

From Idea to Action 💡

Ashlin’s journey began with a clear vision: to build a professional identity that reflects her values and talents. Her business is not just about creative work — it’s about making space for underrepresented voices and creating inclusive environments in the performance industry.

With support from the B-Enterprising team, Ashlin applied for and received a £500 start-up grant, which she used to invest in professional headshots and a subscription to Spotlight, a leading platform for performers. These tools helped her raise her profile and begin building her network.

“The grant made the first steps towards building my industry profile so much easier and more immediate after finishing full-time education.”

 

The Highs and Lows of Freelancing 🔄

Running a business comes with its challenges — from navigating legalities to managing time and finances. But for Ashlin, the rewards far outweigh the hurdles.

“The best part is working for myself and making my own decisions. It’s exciting to see the care I’m putting into something that will grow over time.”

They are honest about the slow start and the uncertainty that can come with it, but they're also optimistic and determined.

“The first few years are definitely the steepest climbs, but it’s exciting to think about the possibilities.”

 

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 📣

Ashlin’s biggest takeaway? It’s not as scary as it seems.

“Taking time to set things up properly is a good thing. The beauty of having your own business is knowing you can work however you want to care for it.”

She’s grateful for the support she received from the University and is looking forward to officially launching her business soon.

---

Inspired by Ashlin’s story? 🚀

If you’re a student or recent graduate with a business idea — no matter how big or small — the B-Enterprising team is here to help. From funding opportunities to expert advice, we’re ready to support your journey.

👉 Visit Enterprise and entrepreneurship to find out more and take your first step into enterprise.

👉 Visit Seed Funding for specific information on what funding you can access.

Elevate your Business 🚀

Elevate Business Incubation Programme Applications are OPEN 📝

Deadline: Sunday 22 June, 23:59

If you're a UoB student or a graduate within the last 5 years, apply now for our Cohort 5 intake starting in September 2025.

What you'll get:
🌟 12-month programme of support and focussed workshops
🌟 Mentoring from alumni and industry experts
🌟 Access to funding and interns
🌟 Membership to our fabulous Elevate community
🌟 And so much more!

🚀 What are you waiting for? If you have a business idea ready to develop, join us to innovate and create, here at Elevate...

Find out more: UoB Elevate at The Exchange

The Discovery Freelance Programme

 📣 Calling all UoB Freelancers

💪 Are you ready to develop your freelance skills? Are you ready to add the bustle to your side hustle? Are you ready to get your skills deployed, whilst being self-employed?

✅ Join us for a series of empowering events where you'll discover the secrets to success.

☺️ Whether you're juggling a full-time job or diving into freelancing, these events are your gateway to endless opportunities. Don't miss out on the chance to explore the Freelancer Club online platform, expand your network, and engage your side hustle.

📝 Find out more and sign up here 

🌟 Spotlight on Collaboration: University of Birmingham & Department for Business and Trade 🌟

We're thrilled to share the success of the Global Enterprise Project, a flagship module at the University of Birmingham, developed in collaboration with the Department for Business and Trade (DBT). This innovative module equips Modern Languages students with essential workplace skills, cultural awareness, and real-world international trade experience.

Key Highlights:
✅ Broad Range of Topics: From international market selection to finance and business culture.
✅ Expert-Led: Delivered by specialists in language, culture, digital, and intellectual property.
✅ Real Business Challenges: Students tackle genuine business problems presented by exporters like Tri-Dosha, gaining fresh perspectives and innovative solutions.

Student Success:
✅ Over 100 students have completed the project, enhancing their employability and critical thinking skills.
✅ Students like Venus Egonu and Ahensa Bossu have broadened their career interests and developed key skills through this module.

Testimonials:
✅ Sunita Passi, Founder of Tri-Dosha: "Engaging with students brought new energy and ideas, reinforcing the importance of innovation and adaptability in business."
✅ Marie Boucheny & Helen Hook: "The practical focus of the module aids students' transition into the professional world."

This collaboration exemplifies the power of integrating academic learning with practical, real-world experiences. Kudos to all involved Elaine Fulton Marie Boucheny Helen Hook👏

A big thank you to Liz Roberts MSc, MCIEx from Department for Business & Trade ☺️