Why November is a good time to start your business...

November is always an exciting time of the year - as we leave behind the thrills and treats of Hallowe'en we enter a month of dark nights, firework skies and red and yellow leaves littering and decorating the streets of Birmingham.

This is also a great month of opportunity if you are thinking of starting a business or considering freelancing. Forget February and Valentine's day, we think November is the real month of love so we have highlighted 5 things to get excited at this November.....Will you be tempted?




1. Global Entrepreneurship Week takes place from 18-24 November - think of this as a global celebration of start-up and anything entrepreneurial - it's not just a celebration of the Facebook's and Google's of this world but all the start-up heroes who have an idea, try it out and make it happen using their passion to see it through. It is easy to get involved with your idea and we can help you find out what it takes to be a freelancer or the steps needed to actually go from just an idea to a registered business.  Did you know it costs just £15 to get a registered business in the UK?  During Global Entrepreneurship Week, we are running a Freelance workshop, a Self Employment session and a company trek to NatWest Entrepreneur Accelerator in Birmingham City Centre.

2. Get your hands on £500 - If you have an idea and want to try it, you can apply for £500 through the B-Enterprising Ideas Fund. Think it, get cash and go out and try it...it is that simple. Our previous ideas vary from bloggers, comedy circuits, yoga instrcutors, mobile apps and art selling companies so bring your own idea forward and apply before our next deadline date of Friday 29 November. This is exclusive to UoB students who are eligible to start-up in the UK so please check our Terms and Conditions before applying.

3. Free advice - Starting a business for the first time might seem a little daunting so our Business Start-Up Advice appointments are designed to help you get advice along the way. Our advisers are here to give you expert advice when you need it most. You can book a 30 minute appointment and you will be greeted by either Mohammed or Hassana  (both very friendly with lots of experience!). Find out how to book here

4. Our B Start-Up Programme is just round the corner - We have a tailored programme with 8 sessions which starts on 4 December designed to help you turn an idea into a business. Get help with your product or service, your customer and marketing, and create a website and register your business in this step by step guide with a mix of theory and actions. Are you ready?

5. Just dabble - OK, so you may be thinking  I don't want to start a business. There are lots of other ways to get involved such as working for a start-up through our Impact Internships. Work for an entrepreneur, get experience to help your CV and get tips about being your own boss in a Birmingham location.

If you have been inspired then we look forward to seeing you soon and helping you along your own personal journey. You can also email the team with any question at benterprising@contacts.bham.ac.uk

Blog by Bob Lee