The University of Aberdeen’s local heat of the Scottish Institute for Enterprise (SIE) Business Planning Competition, has been launched in conjunction with the Robert Gordon University.
The Business Plan Competition provides students with a chance to develop and present their business ideas with the possibility of progressing to the national heats and the opportunity of winning a share of the £15,000 prize money on offer.
The launch event, which was funded by both universities, was held in Tiger Tiger and attracted over 170 students and invited guests. The event was presented jointly by student interns Robert Herriott (University of Aberdeen) and Lori Manson (RGU). Business practitioners Jennie Marshall( Esteem Solutions), Mark Darley (Enterprise Rent-A-Car), and Frances Rentoul (ActionCOACH business coaching) were inspirational speakers for the event which also showcased the University of Aberdeen's new student enterprise Society 'START'.
John Bain, another of the SIE student interns at the University was very pleased with the interest in the competition. "The idea is obviously a fundamental part of any potential business. Having chatted with a number of students, I firmly believe we have a number of strong contenders. I'm also impressed with the determination from the students. One of the most common questions I get asked is if there is a limit to the amount of ideas you can submit," he said.
Students are invited to submit business ideas either individually or as part of a team to the heats of the local competition which are then judged by a panel of business experts. Successful students will then be invited to present to judges in a 'Dragon's Den' style event with three local winners proceeding to the national finals. The local competition, open to all students and recent graduates closes on Wednesday, November 28.
SIE Regional Business Adviser for Aberdeen and the North, Simon Fraser, believes the competition is a great opportunity for students whatever their level of business knowledge. He said: "We are keen to promote the concept of self employment and engage students in the process of developing their ideas. Competitions such as this are a great way to inspire the entrepreneurs of tomorrow and give them the confidence and skills to set up in business."
To submit an entry to the competition please visit: www.abdn.ac.uk/sie/bpc The Business Plan Competition final takes place on March 12, 2008, at the SIE International Summit at Caird Hall, Dundee.