Launching on the 30th November, Arden University has developed a new ‘Enterprise Incubator’, designed to offer students and alumni additional support in the area of entrepreneurship.
Whether students are exploring the idea of setting up their own company or need help and guidance launching or growing an existing business, the AEI provides everything students need to kick start their entrepreneurial journey, as well as to support and empower them along the way.
'The Arden Enterprise Incubator is about developing and nourishing innovation, entrepreneurship, and creativity,' said Professor Dilshad Sheikh, Deputy Pro Vice Chancellor and Dean of the Faculty of Business at Arden University.
Head of the School of Leadership and Management, Dr Alison Watson also commented that: 'The key focus for Arden University is to provide accessibility and opportunities for students to develop their business ideas. The AEI does just this, whether our students are based in the UK or globally the AEI is available to them.'
Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader, Dr Alfred Mbeteh, from the School of Leadership & Management, has been working on the AEI programme.
'We have developed the Arden Enterprise Incubator to help our students succeed beyond their studies,' he said.
'Setting up your own business is incredibly challenging, so we wanted to create an enterprise community that will help stimulate the entrepreneurial intentions of our students and support them as they put their knowledge into practice.'
'The meticulously designed programmes and activities build on the academic knowledge acquired throughout their course and provide real-world exposure through strategic partnerships. At the heart of it all, the platform will help students Discover, Develop and Deploy their entrepreneurial skills in the real world.'
There is a variety of support available, designed to provide students help across three different stages of their entrepreneurial journey.
1. Setting up your business
This stage is open to students who might have an idea or to those who have little or no idea about entrepreneurship or business and are thinking about venturing into this area. At this stage, the programme will introduce the concept of entrepreneurship, spotting opportunities, creativity and innovation, Business Model Canvas (BMC), Minimum Viable Product (MVP), and lots more.
2. Launching Your Business
This stage is open to students who already have a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) or a developed idea and are at the point of starting their enterprise. At this stage, the program will introduce key concepts like patenting and copyrights, fund raising and marketing strategies, team formation and development.
3. Growing Your Business
This stage is open to students who have already established their business and are seeking ways to foster growth. AUEI will introduce advanced concepts such as growth strategies (e.g., strategic alliances, franchising, joint ventures), Initial Public Offering (IPO), financial and client management and customer retention.
Each step of the way students will be supported by a community of people going through, or having gone through, the same steps, and who can provide insight into the challenges ahead.
The AEI has a wealth of resources available including monthly master classes, boot camps, podcasts, blogs, external events, and mentorship. Mentors include Arden University lecturers and industry experts so our students receive the very best support and expertise.
Students interested in the Arden Enterprise Incubator should click here to find out more
