• What is SPEED?
• Is SPEED for me?
• Benefits
• What will you get out of it?
• Case studies
• Eligibility
• Applying

What is SPEED?

The SPEED programme offers a 9 month placement to students who are budding entrepreneurs. SPEED is designed to help students with a sound business idea take the steps towards running a real business.  The objective is to provide students at the University of Birmingham, a learning opportunity intended to ultimately develop business ideas into a successful businesses running for a minimum of 18 months.

The SPEED programme is an initiative run by the Entrepreneurship and Innovation team and is headed by Hassana Begum, SPEED project manager.  The SPEED programme is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) via Advantage West Midlands (AWM).  The University of Birmingham, one of seven partners nationally has been awarded 48 placements to allocate in the academic years 2009 - 2010 and 2010-2011.

SPEED is led by Wolverhampton and has seven Primary Partner Universities taking part. In addition to Wolverhampton the partners comprise: University of Birmingham, Coventry University, Staffordshire University, Keele University, Birmingham City University, University of Worcester and Aston University.

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Is SPEED for me?

• Have you got a business idea or maybe you have set one up already?
• Would you like some practical support and training in further developing this idea into a real working business?
• Want to gain access to a network of professional experts?
• Want to network with other entrepreneurs and businesses?
• Are you a current student or a graduate of the University of Birmingham?
• Would you like a package of £2500 to help kick-start your business idea?

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Benefits

• Overall support package worth £6000
• Finance of £2500 plus further top-up funds
• Access to office space for working and meeting
• Mentoring and coaching
• Business startup training
• Networking
• Continuous support

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What will you get out of it?

• Build your business idea into a real working and flourishing business
• Develop enterprising skills
• Meet new people from your industry
• Most importantly become an Entrepreneur
• Looks great on your CV

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Case studies

Here are just a few of our successful past SPEED students:

• Angela Murray - Roads to Riches (PDF, 148 KB, opens new window)

• Dan Taylor - Yoonee.com (PDF, 149 KB, opens new window)

• Scott Charlesworth - Build Enterprise (PDF, 146 KB, opens new window)

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Eligibility

• You must be a current student or a graduate of the University of Birmingham.
• You must be a citizen from the European Union (EU). 
• SPEED placements can be for either undergraduate or postgraduate students.
• Placements can be full time as part of an industrial placement (with agreement from your College), as a deferred year or part time while studying for a degree.
• Willingness to set up a registered private limited company and run for 18 months (In certain circumstances a sole trader option may be acceptable).

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Applying

If you think you would be interested in taking part in SPEED and will be an eligible student you will need to provide some information by completing the business ideas form which can be found at got a business idea?

Got a question about SPEED and want to speak to someone? Please contact:

Hassana Begum: Speed Project Manager

T: 0121 414 8290

E: h.begum@bham.ac.uk

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