Another group of start-up founders have just completed the SETsquared Entrepreneurs Workout, held over two days at The Hive, SETsquared Exeter’s accelerator space at the Exeter Science Park. This fast-paced workshop equips start-up founders with the skills and know-how to build robust business models for their start-up idea. Based on established start-up methodologies, the Entrepreneurs Workout is part of SETsquared’s award-winning start-up support. Held once a quarter, this workshop is designed to give start-up founders a framework to build a scalable business structured on a sound business model.

With founders being fully in-person for the first time in two years, the August Entrepreneurs Workout played host to founders from industries such as specialist design and presentation software, VR visualisation, community management software, a scientific verification platform, among others. Being a sector-agnostic accelerator, SETsquared is set up to assist start-up businesses with a technology focus from a wide-range of sectors. Having completed the Entrepreneurs Workout, these founders now have the potential to access follow-on support from SETsquared and/or our business support partners in the region.

The Entrepreneurs Workout has been particularly valuable for founders looking to validate and refine their thinking. One founder said

“The EW was extremely engaging, professional and inspiring. Throughout, I had every confidence in the Presenters and Trainers, respected their advice and took a lot of useful information on board. I am left excited about the future of pursuing my innovations with this newfound knowledge and sincerely hope to be supported further by SETsquared.”

Although designed with start-up founders in mind, the Entrepreneurs Workout is just as valuable for established businesses looking for a step-change in their innovation activities. A founder on our EW commented that they

“…Thought it was pitched really well and focused on the right subject areas considering we only had two days. Provides delegates with the knowledge and assets required at the start up stage. Even though we are quite advanced in our start up approach, still learnt a lot and helped focus both the mind and effort. Thank you, really useful couple of days that has helped refine thinking.”

If you’re a new founder or considering starting up a new venture, the SETsquared Entrepreneurs Workout is a great opportunity to validate and refine your thinking, learning both from our skilled facilitators and other founders in the room.  At the end of the 2-day workshop, you’ll have the opportunity to present your concept to a panel of experts who will give constructive feedback and one-on-one mentoring.

The next Entrepreneurs Workout is taking place on the 31^st October and 1^st November. Contact SETsquared Exeter if you’re interested in taking part.

The SETsquared Exeter Entrepreneurs Workout is part of the University of Exeter Enterprise Zone (UEEZ) project. The project and its activities are part funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

The UEEZ project aims to improve the opportunities for innovative STEMM, Devon-based start-ups and SMEs that have the aspiration and potential to achieve high growth and to accelerate their development through the provision of expert business support. To learn more about the project please visit: UEEZ Project | SETsquared (exeter.ac.uk)