Students, aspiring entrepreneurs, and established businesses in Nottingham can now get free mentoring and support to help their ventures flourish, thanks to a new initiative launched by Oxford Business College.
The college’s Oxford Business Innovation and Incubation Centre (OxBIIC) offers participants valuable guidance from industry experts. It includes mentorship sessions, workshops, and product development assistance.
The program kicked off with 50 participants, including 39 students and 11 local companies. These businesses will receive one hour of dedicated mentoring every two weeks, with the potential to continue for up to three years.
The mentoring takes place not only at the Nottingham campus on Carlton Road but also at Oxford Business College’s locations in Oxford, West London, and Slough.
Emilia Polakowska, a student at the Nottingham campus, is already reaping the benefits of the program. The 38-year-old business management student is using the advice to enhance her Nottingham beauty salon, Signature by Emilia.
“I’ve been finding the mentoring very beneficial,” says Polakowska. “After a couple of months with Simoni I feel much more positive, and slowly but surely we’re getting there.”
Polakowska aspires to open an academy, expand her salon chain, and empower individuals facing challenges.
The program boasts mentors with over 45 years of combined experience in leading companies from launch to IPO, across diverse sectors like manufacturing, retail, food technology, and wholesale.
Tech entrepreneur and investor Bryony Tinn-Disbury’s experience includes guiding a food tech company through multiple funding rounds and establishing a MedTech incubator. Simoni Wong brings over 20 years of executive-level expertise and a track record of successful IPOs.
Those interested in participating in the OxBIIC program, including students, aspiring entrepreneurs, and local businesses, can apply by emailing [email protected].
Mr Sarwar Khawaja, Chairman of the Executive Board of Oxford Business College, commented: “The Oxford Business Innovation and Incubation Centre is another way that we are setting our students up to succeed in business. We are also giving back to the local community, and helping turn business ideas into success stories.
“Many Oxford Business College students are born entrepreneurs, and we love to support them as they launch and grow their own businesses. We are delighted to see that 50 firms have already signed up.
“Our flexible courses make it possible for students to hold down a job while studying, making us the perfect place for mature learners and those who want a new career.”