Calling all Bristol’s budding entrepreneurs! On Tuesday 11 February we welcome the first Start-up drinks of the decade!
Start-up drinks is an event run on the second Tuesday of every month in collaboration between The University of Bristol’s Basecamp Enterprise Team and The University of the West of England (UWE).
Whether you have an entrepreneurial idea, an established and growing business or you are simply interested in entrepreneurship and growing your networks, this is the place to be. But don’t just take our word for it! We spoke to local businesses and students about what they heart most about Start-up Drinks…
Teck, 4th year student in Aerospace Engineering
Why did you attend Start-up Drinks?
I found out about the event while looking through the Careers Service page last year and decided to attend for a variety of reasons. I wanted to learn more about being an entrepreneur and to find out what’s going on in the local start-up community. I wanted to meet other people who might be helpful in making my start-up a reality like co founders and investors as well as customers.
What can other students expect?
Start-up Drinks is a friendly environment for students who want to get started with entrepreneurship. It is where you can meet other supportive and likeminded people. It may be just what you need to take that first step into turning your business idea into reality.
Do you have any networking top tips for budding entrepreneurs?
Always know why you are there. Have a friendly smile, be yourself and listen!
Toby, Project Manager at ‘Outset’- a government funded project which offers free start-up advice to local start- ups and SMEs.
What makes Bristol a great place for budding entrepreneurs to grow?
I always recommend Start-up Drinks as a worthwhile networking experience in Bristol to our business community. There aren’t many better opportunities to get in front of so many ambitious entrepreneurs and established businesses all at one event. The relaxed nature of the event and opportunities to pitch to the audience lend itself to be a productive evening. On a personal level, to talk to young students about their ambitions is exciting and inspirational.
Do you have any networking top tips for aspiring entrepreneurs?
Talk and engage as you never know who you will meet. Everyone there is as nervous as each other, so try to push yourself to get out of your comfort zone and speak to as many people as you can. Set yourself targets like having 7 good conversations or picking up 10 business cards. Never get stuck in one conversation for too long … there could be plenty of fruitful conversations waiting to happen! Oh, and follow up with people, connect with them on LinkedIn and continue the conversation.
Katie, Basecamp’s Enterprise and SME Development Manager at the University of Bristol
What can students expect from Start-Up Drinks?
It’s not just for those with start-up ideas, it’s for those interested in start-up. We’ve had several students find internships with start-ups, a great way to immerse yourself in business growth. It’s a fun, informal event we run in partnership with UWE. It’s a great opportunity to hear and share ideas and build that all important network.
Do you have any networking top tips for aspiring entrepreneurs?
If you’re shy or feel you don’t know how to network, our team are there to help. The Basecamp Enterprise team are experienced networkers and can help you feel more comfortable or make an introduction. It is a skill but it’s not as hard as you think. Be sure to ask people questions to learn more about them and share your ideas and things about yourself. We’re all there for the same reason- come along and we’re sure you’ll have a good time.
Sometimes being a great entrepreneur means you need to develop your entrepreneurial skills and our Basecamp support and SME Internships are a great way to do just that. Support and networks are out there, to be an entrepreneur you need to embrace them!
Find out for yourself how great Start-up Drinks is and sign up to attend through mycareer! A reminder also that the Development Stage of the New Enterprise Competition is now open, find out more here.