Bridge 2 Business Brochure

At Young Enterprise Scotland we believe that no young person should be left behind and are committed to supporting young people to fulfil their amazing potential.

With a rich heritage spanning over 30 years, Young Enterprise Scotland has been working in partnership with schools and colleges to enhance and enrich curriculum learning with personal and employability skills.

Bridge 2 Business offers a range of services to inspire, connect and support Further Education college students into and through enterprise.

Leading the way for enterprise, our programme offers students aged 18-30 first-hand experiences through enterprise opportunities and let them discover what it can do for them, whether that’s help in starting up a business of their own or developing their skills for employability.

Through our tailor-made workshops, bespoke college enterprise events and 1-2-1 student support, Bridge 2 Business strives to engage with and provide much needed skills enrichment, for your young people throughout the academic year.

Programme supported by

Find out more about our programmes on our website: bridge2business.org.

Workshops & 1-2-1

Support

By the end of the academic year 21/22, our programme has delivered enterprise education across colleges in Scotland, to around 6000 students. This delivery includes our enterprise workshops, online events, students 121’s and our additional initiatives.

Bridge 2 Business workshops and 1-2-1 student support

Our suite of workshops covers a wide variety of enterprise topics. Our workshops can be delivered via a hybrid approach, with delivery available virtually or in person, depending on the needs of the college.

All our workshops are interactive and are designed to not only upskill students about key areas of enterprise, but also to help engage and include alternative learning methods to support all learners.

As well as the 13 workshops that we offer we also provide 1-2-1 support for students, who are looking to setup their own business and need that early start-up support.

During these sessions, we discuss the support the student(s)requires, share lots of free resources and link students in with other supporting organisations or entrepreneurs who are willing to support and mentor the students further.

Our Test The Market grant, offers students aged 18-30 a small grant up to £100, to help give them that financial boost right at the start of their business’s journey.

Our most popular workshops:

Intro to Enterprise

This introductory session will explore what enterprise is, what skills and characteristics we can define as enterprising and how we can use these to develop an entrepreneurial mindset

Idea Generation

During this workshop will explore how we define innovation and how we can use different innovations to develop our ideas

Intro 2 Finance

With this workshop students will learn about some financial best practises and what tools/resources are available We also cover some Financial Jargon, what a survival budget is, understanding our break even point and even break down a profit and loss forecast.

Marketing

This workshop will introduce use to marketing methods as well as, explore the key differences between traditional and digital marketing

Social Media Analytics

During this session students will look at how we can use social media for business, how to use social media to engage with customers, grow business, increase sales and build a brand

Social Enterprise

Our Social Enterprise workshop introduces students to the topic what it is and how we can define it, while investigating both the social and environmental issues and how they impact us and our local communities

Building Connections

Here students will explore the world of networking and be given tips and tools to make use of when growing your network to ensure they develop meaningful relationships in professional environments

Confidence Building

The focus for this workshop is to explore how we begin to analyse our skills and strengths as well as identifying our weaknesses and how we can turn these into opportunities

We can also offer sessions on:

•Business Planning

•Sustainable Business

•Pitching

•Customer Marketing Research

This was so informative and friendly. These next steps after education can be a little scary and I feel I have a friendly contact to ask for support” “

Programme Participant - Forth Valley College

To register for the #FemaleBoss Initiative 2022-23, please complete the following form and a member of the Bridge 2 Business team will be in touch.

Registration Form

About the programme

Young Enterprise Scotland’s Bridge 2 Business programme are working with the support of the Royal Bank of Scotland and Scottish Enterprise to help close the gender gap, for young women in business. Since launching the #FemaleBoss programme, it has been the primary aim to inspire, empower and support female students aged 18 - 30 years old into enterprise and to understand the importance of females in business.

What to Expect

Our #FemaleBoss initiative, welcomes students across colleges in Scotland to weekly sessions across a 10-week period. It is not just about supporting young females get their business ideas of the ground, but the aim of the initiative, is to empower young women, support them with coaching, mentoring and collaboration to help them succeed.

Through the #FemaleBoss programme, students can also apply to access funding to help them explore their ideas and get them off the ground.

There will be three types of funding available to the #FemaleBosses:

•Test The Market Grant

•Start’er Up Grant

•Mov’er Up Grant

YOUNG

What’s in it for you and your college?

•Suitable for students aged 18 30 and enrolled in a college course.

•Flexibility in participating, as sessions are delivered virtually.

•Drives a positive attitude to learning, life and work.

•Opportunity to be further inspired by watching and sharing the #FemaleBoss Mini YouTube series.

•Joining a supportive community of #FemaleBosses

•Opportunity to gain transferable skills for study, employment and self development.

•Sessions delivered by guest speakers to help further learning throughout the programme.

•Opportunity to gain funding to help support business ideas..

Young Enterprise Support:

•Regular check in communications with the Bridge 2 Business Team.

•Access to the #FemaleBoss LinkedIn Groupnetwork and support with other #FemaleBosses.

•Participation in the Mentoring Programme after the programme.

•Access to resources and support to help with business ideas.

“Being on #FemaleBoss has boosted my confidence, and I really enjoyed the pitching challenge. It has also been really empowering to hear the success stories of fellow women entrepreneurs, as well as learning more about self employment and start ups.“ “

Martina Genovese, City of Glasgow College

Upcoming Workshop Dates for 2023:

•Becoming A #FemaleBoss 26/01/23 @ 16:00 - 17:00

•Building from the Inside Out 02/02/23 @ 16:00 - 17:00

•Let’s #FemaleBoss It! 09/02/23 @ 16:00 - 17:00

•Making an Impact Through Business 16/02/23 @ 16:00 - 17:00

•Your Website & Selling Online 23/02/23 @ 16:00 - 17:00

•Building Your Network & Entrepreneurs from Around The World 02/03/23 @ 16:00 - 17:00

•Time to Market Your Idea Like A #Boss! 09/03/23 @ 16:00 - 17:00

•Keeping On Top of Your FinancesSustainable Finance 16/03/23 @ 16:00 - 17:00

•Life’s A Pitch 23/03/23 @ 16:00 - 17:00

•Levelling Up To #FemaleBoss Status 30/03/23 @ 16:00 - 17:00

Social Innovators Challenge

Inspiring students to create a sustainable, purpose led business.

Programme Overview

This year sees the return of our Social Innovators Challenge which tasks students across the country to come up with an idea for a business with an impact!

More than ever, young people are aware of their impact on the planet and have a passion for social justice. The Social Innovators Challenge is designed to allow students to explore these issues through the medium of enterprise, whilst making a difference.

We are asking students to take inspiration from the UN Sustainable Development Goals and design a product or service which will aid social or environmental issues.

The challenge enables students to develop their enterprising skills in a real life context, giving them an understanding of the steps involved in creating a company and writing a business plan.

Eligibility Criteria?

•Applicants must be enrolled in a college in Scotland

•Applicants can apply as individuals OR as small teams (up to 6 students) OR as a whole class project

•Individual applicants must be aged 18-30

•Groups must have at least one member aged 18 30

What’s in it for Young People?:

•Develop an enterprising mindset and enterprising skills

•Develop knowledge and an understanding of the benefits and principles of the UN Sustainable Development Goals

•Increase resilience and confidence

•Work collaboratively towards a common goal

•Experience for a CV

Additionally, students participating are able to apply to access our awards funding pot. Awards enable students to take their idea to the next level and make it a reality.

Lecturer, Forth Valley College

What’s in it for you and your college?

•Can be completed as part of an enterprise unit or project in class

•Creating student led businesses

•Supported by the Bridge 2 Business Team

•Develops employability skills

Young Enterprise Support:

•College specific support workshops

•Regular check in communications with the Bridge 2 Business Team.

•Access to the SIC LinkedIn Group network with other students and gain support from the B2B Team.

•Access to resources and support to help with business ideas.

How to Register:

Sign up for the challenge here:

Very beneficial to student is they would like to start a business it gives you the basic knowledge needed to achieve that “ “

Additional Offerings

Hear about the other opportunities Bridge 2 Business can offer your college!

International Travel Opportunities

During the last academic year, our Bridge 2 Business Programme supported students from Fife College, Dumfries & Galloway College and West College Scotland through an Erasmus funded trip visiting both Barcelona and South Holland.

Over 2 weeks the students participated in entrepreneurial focussed workshops building on their confidence and developing key skills for life through enterprise activity. Students were also given the opportunity shadow entrepreneurs and apply their skills to a variety of projects.

As well as participating in the enterprise programme, students also had the opportunity in spare time to learn about the countries they visited, emerging themselves into the culture and visiting top attractions.

“I built on my confidence and enjoyed learning and taking skills from all the different entrepreneurs. One of the biggest lessons was how important it is to network!”

Bespoke College Enterprise Events

Throughout the year there is the opportunity for the Bridge 2 Business team to support college specific events and/or competitions.

Over the last academic year our team have supported various events and competitions across Scotland’s colleges. Many events in which worked in collaboration with other organisations who are part of the Entrepreneurial Eco-System. Bridge 2 Business have supported enterprise activities related to:

•COP26 across all Glasgow Colleges.

•Women into STEM programme that took place with West College Scotland and Forth Valley College.

•Journey into Enterprise Event and Competition at Dumfries and Galloway College sponsored by The Holywood Trust.

“The speaker was very informative and was passionate about the topics. It was very interesting to find out more about business development as this is something we might look at for jobs we have in the future.”

Looking to host your own College Enterprise event? Contact our team to see how Bridge 2 Business can support.

Bespoke College Enterprise Events

The leading enterprise programme across colleges in Scotland – Bridge 2 Business, is delighted to launch their Enterprise Roadshow across colleges in Scotland. The inspiring event will bring college campuses across Scotland to life, all through enterprise! The aim of the roadshow, brought to you by Bridge 2 Business, is to inspire, connect and support college students, along with staff to think business.

The Enterprise Roadshow will bring inspiring enterprise workshops, support organisations, networking opportunities and the chance for students to learn more on how to get into business, but also how they can use business to develop their skills for the future.

What’s On Offer?

•Inspiring and engaging enterprise focused student and educator workshops

•Early Start Up Business Support

•Student Business Showcase

•Entrepreneurial Speakers

•Early sign-up access to our #FemaleBoss & Social Innovators Challenge

Keep an eye out on your college news and socials to see if Bridge 2 Business will be visiting a college near you this Winter!

I became inspired to become an entrepreneur myself… It really has made me realise what I want to do! Thank you for the unforgettable experience” “

West College Scotland Student

Enterprise Awards 2022

The Bridge 2 Business Enterprise Awards 2022 is a celebration of ‘all things enterprise’ across colleges in Scotland. The Awards recognise and reward students, educators and individuals who are leading the way in enterprise.

Bridge 2 Business Enterprise Awards 2022

Our virtual awards, held on Thursday 28th April, was a time to celebrate the amazing work that has been achieved by colleges, students and educators who have gone above and beyond in enterprise

The Bridge 2 Business Team joined forces with the amazing staff and students of City of Glasgow College to film the virtual event Lori Templeton our student host, showed us how it was done Producer Alyx Ross, director Michaella Tracey and Floor Manager Faye Donnelly, ensured the day ran like clockwork, along with the rest of the amazing city of Glasgow Media students

A special thank you to our judges who had the hard decision of choosing this year’s Bridge 2 Business Enterprise Awards

Many thanks to Elaine Calderwood from Scottish Enterprise, Lucy Thomson from Coach Lucy, Bayile Adeoti from Dechomai Ray Banks from FirstPort and Cameron Campbell from Statsalus

Keep your eyes peeled for our Enterprise Awards 2023!

Innovation Award

Sponsored by Elevator UK

Winner - The Media Staff & Students from the Faculty of Creatives Industries (City of Glasgow College)

Finalist - John McBlain (Ayrshire College)

Social Enterprise Award

Sponsored by Social Investment Scotland (SIS)

Winner - The RESPECT Group (North East Scotland College)

Finalist - The Ready for Retail class within the Supported Learning Department (New College Lanarkshire)

Finalist - Nicole Skoronska (University Highlands & Islands

College Enterprise Champion Award

Sponsored by College Development Network

Winner - John McBlain (Ayrshire College)

Finalist - Steven Morrison (West Lothian College)

Finalist - Fiona Morrison (Fife College)

Finalist - Fiona McLeod (Fife College)

Finalist - Ann McInnes (Forth Valley College)

The Enterprising Student of the Year Award

Sponsored by AAB Consulting

Winner - Chelsie MacFarlane (Glasgow Clyde College)

Finalist - Danielle Hughes (Dumfries & Galloway College)

Finalist - Evan Keen (Ayrshire College)

Finalist - Tori Leigh Adams (West Lothian College)

Special Recognition Award Sponsored by S’Wheat

Winner - Danielle Hughes (Dumfries & Galloway College)

Finalist - John McBlain (Ayrshire College)

Finalist - Steven Morrison (West Lothian College)

Finalist - James Shields (Fife College)

Finalist - John Begbie (West Lothian

Finalist - Julie Przyborski (Fife college) Enterprising College of the Year Sponsored by FirstPort

Winner - Fife College

Finalist - North East Scotland College

I am thrilled to have won this award; it means so much to me. As a team, we are incredibly proud of the work we have done and I couldn’t have won this award without the help andsupport of my colleagues.” “

Danielle Hughes - Winner of the Special Recognition Award 2022

GET INVOLVED

Young Enterprise Scotland is a national charity that supports young people to successfully earn and manage money.

We have the ambition, knowledge and vision to reach thousands of young people over the next two years, but we can’t do it alone.

As an independent charity, we rely on working in partnership with schools, colleges, local volunteers and our supporters.

We want to work collaboratively with you and you college to run programmes which meet your needs and to ensure the successful development of your young people. We want to partner with more teachers, educators, volunteers and businesses to make this happen.

Join us in our mission to increase social mobility and give the next generation the enterprising mindset, skills and confidence to start their working life with the attitude and ambition to succeed.

To find out more about our programmes visit bridge2business.org.uk

Follow us instagram.com/bridge2business

Young Enterprise Scotland

Rouken Glen Park, Rouken Glen Road, Glasgow G46 7UG

Email: info@bridge2business.co.uk

Tel: 0141 406 7722

Follow us twitter.com/bridge2business

Like us linkedin.com/company/youngenterprise-scotland

Watch us youtube.com/YEScotland

LET US WORK WITH YOU TO CHANGE THE LIVES OF MORE YOUNG PEOPLE