Start your own business event in Belfast

On Tuesday 8 October, The Open University welcomed students to an event at Ormeau Baths, Belfast looking at the highs and lows of starting your own business.

Opening with a time for networking and pizza, there was a buzz of conversation as students, peers and entrepreneurs got to know more about each other. The evening’s talk was given by Ian Browne, a successful entrepreneur, who captivated the audience with his honest and inspirational story. Touching on elements of business validity, the importance of storytelling and the power of ideas Ian, who sits as an Entrepreneur in Residence at Ormeau Baths, also shared his top tips when applying for the Propel 2020 Northern Ireland start-up programme.

Ian’s talk was followed by two tech start-ups who told us their stories ranging from the motivational to an authentic look at the realities involved in starting a business from scratch. The evening finished with a question and answer session that offered attendees the chance to probe the panellists on what starting a business is really like. The panel offered informative and insightful answers that left those in attendance more informed and better equipped to deal with the highs and lows of a start-up.

Attendees came away from the event with a fresh perspective on self-employment, start-ups and creating a business. The feedback from the event was positive, OU student Chris Burns commented that the event was, “Very helpful, a good example of the OU, local business and business leaders working together”.  Another student Eddie Loughran commented that “It was great to hear honest feedback from people who have been through the process.”

For more information contact Employability and External Engagement Manager Nicola.Joyce@open.ac.uk