The thought of being your own boss is the stuff of many a desk daydream and most of us, at one time or another, have entertained the idea of starting a business.
However, all too frequently, responsibilities and financial constraints can mean that it doesn’t seem a viable choice. But what if it were?
What if you did pursue your goals?
Could you be the next Richard Branson?
These are the questions being asked at ISLEXPO later this month, as an exciting programme of talks and workshops inspires delegates to embrace the entrepreneur within.
The event’s line-up is led by successful technology entrepreneur, start-up advisor and investor, Dale Murray CBE.
Dale will share lessons on starting and growing a business, looking at the importance of risk, determination and opportunity, as well as how to maintain your nerve and believe in your product.
She is joined by Jimmy Cregan, founder of ‘Jimmy’s Iced Coffee’.
Jimmy discovered iced coffee while travelling and was inspired to launch his own brand on returning home to Dorset.
Now, through a combination of grit, charm and a canny approach to social media, he has seen his product stocked nationwide in Selfridges, Whole Foods, Waitrose and Sainsbury’s.
After being fired up by the speakers, delegates can see entrepreneurs present their business ideas to an expert panel of investors in ‘Pitch It!’, and even take part in the action themselves with live-polling.
This will be followed by ‘Student Pitch It!’, a session showcasing the business vision of the island’s most enterprising young people.
ISLEXPO is free to attend and takes place on May 25, at the Villa Marina. Register at www.islexpo.com
l Wereported last week that finding funding for a business of any size can be a challenge, but for those just starting out or in the early stages of growth it can be especially daunting.
The Department of Economic Development says ISLEXPO is a great place to learn about the options available to companies on the island and is free for all to attend.
The event will also celebrate the launch of the department’s £50m Enterprise Development Scheme (EDS) and showcase the different ways in which government offers support to businesses.
The EDS is designed to provide grant, loan and equity investment to start-ups, expanding local businesses and companies looking to relocate to the island.