MDXcelerator and Entrepreneurial Barnet Competition Present: What’s Your Big Idea?
This year, Middlesex University's MDXcelerator Start-Up programme and the Entrepreneurial Barnet Competition are partnering to offer a joint programme that is open to Middlesex University students and alumni, Barnet residents and students from Barnet and Southgate College.
Through our joint programme, this year we will be offering an even more unique, compelling and innovative mix of masterclasses and workshops, delivered by successful entrepreneurs, networking opportunities, pitching challenges, one-to-one mentoring from successful business founders and the chance to pitch for seed-funding in front of an esteemed panel of renowned entrepreneurs and business leaders.
If you have any questions about the programme or application process please contact us at mdxworks@mdx.ac.uk
13 February: applications close
17 February: successful/unsuccessful candidates will be contacted and provided with the plan for the upcoming months including personalised access to different sessions, pitching challenges, mentor allocation, prize money and expectations beyond the programme.
Although we will be announcing successful applicants on 10 February, all applicants will be invited to attend the first session of the programme during the week commencing 14 February: 'The business concept, your why.'
Successful applicants will unlock all features of the programme outlined below while those whose applications were not successful on this occasion will be invited to attend selected workshops and masterclasses.
3 March: Masterclass on the 'why' of your business
9 March: Workshop on the 'why' of your business
17 March: Masterclass on start-up marketing strategies
24 March: Workshop on developing your marketing plan
7 April: Masterclass on financial modeling
12 April: Workshop on developing your business canvas
28 April: Masterclass - Congrats and motivation boost: the wonders of being an entrepreneur
3 May: Workshop on pitching skills and preparations
We will be concluding the programme with a final pitching challenge, and this time introducing a higher stake - seed funding!
Finalists will be invited to deliver a 5-minute pitch and present it to an esteemed panel of judges for the chance to win prize money, aimed at helping with your business development. All winners will be expected to stay in touch and provide evidence of expenditure.
Moreover, all finalists will be matched up with a mentor for a period of three months after the final.
In 2021/22 the Entrepreneurial Barnet Competition and MDXcelerator aim to further develop their partnership to enhance one vision that keeps both initiatives running every year – helping Middlesex University and its students maintain a firm position in the entrepreneurship field in London and the local community.
MDXcelerator was launched by MDXworks in 2018 with a view to providing a centralised extra-curricular programme dedicated to supporting students and alumni from all backgrounds who have aspirations to start their own business or simply want to learn more about self-employment.
The Entrepreneurial Barnet Competition, 'What's Your Big Idea?' was launched in 2014 with the aim of promoting and developing enterprise and entrepreneurship throughout Barnet and amongst the student population. It offered Middlesex University, Barnet and Southgate College students, and local residents the opportunity to showcase their ideas, attend business development workshops and win funding to help grow their business.
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to get in touch with us at mdxworks@mdx.ac.uk.