Graduate entrepreneurship

www.b-seen.org.uk assists graduates to set up their own businesses in the Birmingham area which support the regional priorities of: increasing employment and retaining graduate skills. BSEEN is an innovative collaboration between Aston University, Birmingham City University and the University of Birmingham and was initially funded by Birmingham City Council.  From April 2011, BSEEN continued to operate, funded by the three Universities.

At Aston University, BSEEN’s start-up incubator is based at Birmingham Science Park Aston, creating new graduate managed businesses in an entrepreneurial environment. From November 2011, a drop in and mentoring service will be available to Aston University students and alumni.

Social and Economic Impact 
In just 18 months, BSEEN has made a very effective contribution to the region’s economy, supporting the retention of key skills and enhancing the career prospects of unemployed graduates. Over 450 graduates from the local community have developed a greater knowledge of enterprise through networking events and career aspirations have been raised.

Of the 90 emerging businesses that were supported in the three start-up incubations from March 2010 – March 2011, 47% were trading after 16-12 months. Five owners were vat registered within 18 months.

Within the three universities, there has also been a positive culture shift due to the higher profile of enterprise, with entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship becoming increasingly embedded into the curriculum.

Private Sector Delivery
Private Sector support from local businesses has been pivotal to BSEEN’s success.  The knowledge, experience and guidance offered though one to one mentoring, email contact and talks has proved invaluable, enabling participants to grow their business smoothly and efficiently, prepared for the challenges ahead.  

Your support
However, BSEEN seeks assistance from small to large businesses from any sector to capitalise on its recent results.  Can you offer your support in some way to help develop students’ and graduates’ skills and knowledge? – This is vital to their success so that they are able to make an effective contribution to the local economy.

If you would like more information, please contact Alison Sharp, BSEEN Enterprise Link for an informal chat on 0121 204 3086 or a.sharp@aston.ac.uk