Organised and hosted by: Mercia Institute of Enterprise

This course is an adaptation of the successful Cambridge University course and offers workshops led by entrepreneurs and business people. The programme will be held every Tuesday evening for eight weeks running for two hours with one hour of lecture and one hour of networking drinks and nibbles provided. Students, Staff, local community / SMEs and entrepreneurs are all welcome to attend free of charge.

If you are interested in starting your own business then this is the course for you. Come along and learn more about basic business skills and good business practice. This is an opportunity for you to network with entrepreneurs, local businesses, academics and receive free business advice at the same time! Topics covered will typically be:

- Starting out: the climate and taking your first steps
- Negotiating your way to success
- How to protect your ideas: introduction to IPR issues
- Raising capital, doing deals
- Markets: finding, reaching satisfying
- Creative thinking in a business environment
- Understanding financial control
- Putting together the ideal business plan

Course starts Tuesday 5 October 2004 then every Tuesday for 8 weeks in total.

A certificate of attendance will be given to all participants who attend 5 or more workshops.

Places are limited so register now by contacting Mercia Institute of Enterprise on 02476 574002.