Creative Entrepreneurship - Nottingham Trent University
Description
Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) account for 99.9% of the UK’s business population. They play an important role in the national economy. Many of these SMEs are creative micro-businesses specialising in design, craft and retail. This intensive course responds to this by introducing entrepreneurship to designers and makers. It is aimed at innovative creatives who are seeking to launch their own business wishing to gain important industry insights and build upon their current skill set. It's aimed at anyone interested in graphic design, fashion design, textile design, product design, interior design, photography, accessories, jewellery and more. Professionals, graduates as well as those from non-traditional education backgrounds will benefit. It will led be expert tutors and industry specialists who will impart their knowledge and help you plan your creative venture. The course will support you in: • accessing the knowledge needed to launch a business • developing your creative skills • learning to innovate • increasing your confidence in your ideas and ability • bringing your business to market. The course offers five university credits at a postgraduate level. The Future of Jobs Report 2023 indicates that the top skills of 2025 will include: • innovation – responding to changing consumer habits • originality • problem-solving – and how small businesses can flex • analytical thinking • ideation. This course will include of all these themes, and more. There will be exercises in: • design thinking theory from Stanford University • creating customer segments and customer personas • implementing the business model canvas • creating a minimum viable product • testing and innovation • primary and secondary research • defining brand values and vision. Within the classroom, you will brainstorm ideas as a group. The design of the course allows you to work with peers, pitch entrepreneurial ideas, and provide and receive feedback, thus allowing you to reflect, pivot and amend your plans. Building confidence in your business ideas and products is key. It will provide the foundations for the incubation of new ideas in a ‘business sprint’ format, collaborating with other entrepreneurs during both the course and mentoring session. After studying this course, you should be able to: • demonstrate knowledge and understanding of entrepreneurship • research innovative practices and sustainable opportunities • formulate a viable business plan • communicate clearly and efficiently your business idea • show confidence in your entrepreneurship and innovation skills • develop your core business skills and bring these to the market. On this course you'll: • learn to build confidence in your entrepreneurial ideas, learn how to validate your products and services, and explore innovation and design thinking • define your business strategy and purpose - your mission, vision and values, including stainable and ethical practices • identify your audience via consumer profiles, target customers and market research, gaining clarity on your customers, USP and brand positioning • create a business model and plan that includes financing, pricing and viability, and come away with actionable next steps to take your business to market.
What's included in the price?
The course combines entrepreneurial theory, innovation, and creative problem-solving through a series of lectures, seminars, and workshops with industry experts. It will be delivered in person on Nottingham Trent University’s city campus. There will be a final assessment based upon your business plan. You will receive a pass/fail mark. Written feedback from your tutors will identify strengths evident in your business proposition and ideas on what to focus on to improve your entrepreneurial skills. You will receive 25 contact hours of quality tuition with your experienced tutors, plus there will be time outside of class to undertake research and reading. Information about this will be shared before the first session. You will also receive a one-hour one-to-one mentoring session after the course to support your progression. The course is designed to prepare you to succeed in creating your own small business. Level: Professional Entry requirements: No previous experience is required. You should have an idea of the business you which to grow in mind. This can be at the early stages or something more developed. On successful completion of the course you will receive a certificate of attendance, which will further enhance your CV.
Duration
1 week
Cancellation policy
Medium - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 4 weeks before the course starts
Maker
Suitable for
- Adults
- Suitable for beginners
- Intermediate level
FAQs
For our week-long summer school courses, we offer single rooms in shared apartments in Nottingham Trent University’s city campus accommodation, which is ideal if you're looking to be based in Nottingham's lively city centre and want an economical place to stay.
Bookings are taken on a seven-night basis, from Saturday to Saturday.
The rooms are single occupancy, with a private bathroom.
You will be sent a link to book your accommodation once you have made your course booking through Craft Courses.
We offer accommodation during the summer only. We are unable to offer university accommodation during term time (for evening and weekend courses) but you'll find plenty of places to stay nearby, as we're located in the city centre.