Converge 2021: Workshop Series
We are working with all our university partners to ensure their students and staff get all the support they can in these challenging times.
In light of this, and in preparation for our 2021 programme, Lissa and Adam in the Converge Enterprise team recently delivered a new series of workshops aimed at early stage/aspiring entrepreneurs. To watch again, click on the links below.
Understanding Innovation and Intellectual Property
Intellectual property is an essential part of innovative new businesses and can be one of their main assets. But what do we mean by innovation and intellectual property, and how can a young business best exploit the intellectual property at its disposal? This 1-hour interactive workshop will cover:
- Why is innovation important?
- What is Intellectual Property?
- How do you stop others from copying your ideas?
- Beyond traditional IP: differentiating yourself from your competitors
Need more help? Why not check out this factsheet from Murgitroyd, our IP Partner.
Understanding your Market and Customers
You may have heard that 90% of new businesses fail, but what’s the story behind this scary statistic? Most of these failures are linked to a poor understanding of customer needs and target markets. This 1-hour interactive workshop will teach you the first steps of interacting with your potential customers and using their feedback to shape your proposition. Key topics include:
- Identifying your target market and its size and value
- Customer engagement tips
- A customer-centred approach to proposition development
From Idea to Market: Getting your Business Ready
Starting a business is about more than money. You will require a variety of resources at different stages of development. This 1-hour interactive workshop will cover the skills, people, infrastructure and funding needs that you need to consider as your project moves from idea to market. Using a real-life case study, you will follow a Converge alumnus company through the stages of resource planning and management, from concept to launch.
Converge hosts Ben Schogler, founder of Edinburgh-based children’s technology brand, Skoogmusic, for an introduction to rewards based crowdfunding. Whether it is pre-sales, testing, brand awareness, or market research, crowdfunding can do more than just bridge a funding gap. But where to start, and which platform to choose? Ben will share the journey of taking Skoog 2.0 from concept to crowdfunding through to global retail with Apple. Join us to discuss the lessons learned, the highs and the lows.
This workshop will provide emerging entrepreneurs with an overview of the various funding options available to start-up/spin-out companies in Scotland. This session will analyse different funding routes and will advise on which ones should be considered depending on the business development stage. The session will also demystify some of the industry myths and jargon. Participants will learn pros and cons of several funding options such as grants, business competitions, investment, and crowdfunding.
Business Models and Route to Market
How will your business make money? How will your product or service reach your customers? In a post-COVID world, sustainable business models and routes to market are more important than ever. In this 1-hour interactive workshop, we will introduce you to various business models and help you decide the most appropriate route to market for your business.