Reality instead of reality TV – Students face a genuine “dragons’ den”

Budding entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to face some genuine ‘dragons’ with their business ideas in the latest day-long Celebration of Entrepreneurship on Wednesday March 16th at the University of Strathclyde.

Entrepreneur and philanthropist Tom Hunter; Linn Products founder and MD Ivor Tiefenbrun; expert ‘angel’ Nelson Grey and Bob Edmonds, co-founder of the Eurec Group Ltd are just some of the dragons on the panel at CoE Day.

Students will have two minutes to pitch their business ideas to the panel, and are allowed a maximum three minutes for Q&A. Succinct communication is the key since in that time they will have to present a summary of the business idea, reasons why the time is right for it, target markets, competitive advantages and financial projections.

Rather than being torn to shreds, as on the reality TV show on which this event is based, would-be Donald Trumps will get cash prizes for the best presentations and invaluable feedback and advice from business people with a proven success record.

And if the Dragon’s Den isn’t scary enough, participants can always try firewalking instead!

Firewalking has become one of the most popular and effective motivational tools used in the corporate world, and students will have a chance to see why at this innovative session, run jointly by certified firewalking trainer Bryce Redford and personal development coach and Hunter Centre lecturer Sandy Newbigging.

Encouraging the spirit of enterprise and entrepreneurial skills is at the heart of CoE Day, a unique event jointly organised by the Hunter Centre for Entrepreneurship @ Strathclyde, the Department of Design, Manufacture & Engineering Management (DMEM and the University’s Careers Service.

This is the fourth annual CoE Day, drawing in current Strathclyde students, alumni of the University, entrepreneurs and inspirational speakers from a variety of disciplines. School pupils will have their own programme in the morning while the main events start at 12.30 in the James Weir Building.

Dr Jonathan Levie, Director of the Hunter Centre for Entrepreneurship at Strathclyde, said: “Students will mix with entrepreneurs from many backgrounds and through their example realise that their own potential is far greater than they ever thought possible.”

Further details from :

Dr Jonathan Levie, Hunter Centre for Entrepreneurship at Strathclyde (T 0141 548 3502 or j.levie@strath.ac.uk)