Ethical Start-up (a 7 week course for Co Durham new businesses)

7 weeks, 7 awesome speakers, 7 key areas

 

Durham Ambitious Business Start-ups (‘DABS’) is an ERDF-funded programme that helps high-quality start-ups in County Durham start trading and offers premium quality support during your critical first 12 months in business.

Starting a business of any size in 2022 is hard. Of all the issues facing businesses, the potential impact of climate change is perhaps the biggest in the long term. As the effects become more visible, the days of deciding whether or not to ‘go green’ are long gone; it is now almost universally accepted that we all have a part to play in saving the planet from irreparable damage.

New businesses are a key part of doing this, and there are some easy changes you can make as you start up. As well as the lure of working for yourself, the desire to put your talents towards something you believe in can be hard to resist; but go into business unprepared and you could find yourself quickly lost.

Each session is standalone and you may choose to pick the ones you feel are most relevant but you will gain the most from attending as many as  you can. The sessions take place on Zoom.

   DURHAM, WE HAVE LIFT OFF!

 

SESSION 1 Launching an ethical start-up Tuesday 1st February, 4-6pm

This first session will be an introduction to the programme so you know what to expect. Nick Devitt from TEDCO will help you to explore and design an ethical business, in line with the global issues around net zero and the circular economy.  You’ll be supported and challenged as you design a business which focuses on considering the planet and people whilst maintaining profit.

SESSION 2 Commercialising new ideas Tuesday 8th February, 4-6pm

So, you have an idea…what next? This time you’ll explore taking the initial idea and working out what practical steps and actions need to be set in motion before commercialisation can take place. Alan Dodsworth is on hand to lead the session and you’ll be working on simple yet vital actions which need to be considered and acted upon before anything else take place.

SESSION 3 The Art of Sales Tuesday 15th February, 4-6pm

Not everyone is comfortable with selling, nor does it come easily or naturally to everyone. Any new business will need to sell its products and services to their customers. Nevil Tynemouth will host an interactive and lively session looking at the different techniques which can be applied to your business strategy. Nevil plans for the session to be practical and to share a simple yet impactful approach.

SESSION 4 Podcasting and Video Media Tuesday 22nd February, 4-6pm

Ian Farrar from Far North will join us to discuss how the use of podcasting and video can be integrated into your digital presence and marketing strategy. Ian has a huge amount of knowledge and experience in this area and an abundance of passion and energy, this session will open up new possibilities and channels for your new business.

SESSION 5 Monetizing your audience Tuesday 1st March, 4-6pm

TEDCO business advisor Laura Dawson will host an interactive session looking at how you can monetize your social media audience. Laura has an abundance of previous experience of doing this and has worked as a social influencer with a following of over 31,000 followers on Instagram. Every start up needs to know these superb hints, tips and tricks of the trade!

SESSION 6 Finance and Pitching Panel Tuesday 8th March, 4-6pm

Shaun Fooy of the British Business Bank will be joined by a panel of business advisors looking at the different option for start-up business finance and to explore the best options for everyone. Shaun is happy to field any questions and discuss the different scenarios, explaining the processes, time frames and the pro’s/cons.

SESSION 7 Legal – get it right first time! Tuesday 15th March, 4-6pm

Paul Armstrong from Hay & Kilner will be on hand to help you craft your approach to protecting and understanding your legal obligations and protecting your intellectual property. Paul will use his years of experience to share real life examples of how legal planning is still very important and shouldn’t be overlooked.

SESSION 8 Pitching & Launch Graduation TBC

Your final session is a chance to celebrate with your ‘Class of 2022’ as you all graduate from DABS LAUNCH.  You’ll have a chance to shine with your 90 second pitch and before you leave you’ll learn where else you can get benefit from the wider business support eco-system.

If you’re already registered with DABS and wish to book any or all of these sessions, please email us at dabs@tedco.org or click the appropriate Book Now button.

Pop over to this page to find out all about Durham Ambitious Business Start-up support and to register.

This series of workshops and talks take place over 7 weeks and are designed to take you through the process of developing, launching and overcoming the inevitable hurdles. These workshops have the potential to revolutionise the way you think about starting a business!

Going green has plenty of benefits beyond fulfilling legal and moral responsibilities and the sessions are delivered by guest speakers with experience of working with start-ups in their area of expertise.