“The price of success is hard work, dedication to the job at hand, and the determination that whether we win or lose, we have applied the best of ourselves to the task at hand.”
Vince Lombardi
Starting a company is a roller coaster of emotions with incredible highs and at times, difficult lows, but being part of a program, such as the Converge Challenge (‘Converge’), can be an inspiring (if not life changing) experience for all budding entrepreneurs. Through the multiple learning workshops, mentorship and networking opportunities, the Converge provides you with the tools to sharpen your skills both as an entrepreneur and as a leader.
I was privileged to be on the judging panel for the past three years and was impressed with not only the quality of the applicants going through the programme but the support that it provides to the participants. In fact, many past winners have often commented that this was more valuable than the actual cash prizes they received. With learning ranging from the basics of how to set up your company, to the more complex commercialisation and funding challenges, these are invaluable lessons that could potentially save you months, if not years, in progressing your business idea.
It is not for the faint hearted, so be warned, hard work and dedication is required for those that sign up to Converge. Hours of research, attending seminars, webinars and one to one mentorship with some of Scotland’s leading business community. Not to mention writing and re-writing your business plan, presentation and practising that pitch. If that hasn’t put you off, then I would encourage you to continue on this journey as I think the rewards and statistics speak for themselves.
I am delighted to still be a part of the Converge 2014, although not judging, I am working with the participants more directly, preparing them before they enter the judging chamber, which incidentally, is not as bad as it sounds. Many participants have commented on how valuable this experience has been for them and their business, I think a few business judging programmes on terrestrial TV could learn a thing or two here…
I am looking forward to this new role and, as in previous years, I can’t wait to see what the next generation of budding entrepreneurs have to offer.
