As part of the Converge Challenge comprehensive training programme, we invited the top 30 to attend a 1-2-1 Business Surgery on the 5th or 6th July ahead of the business plan submission date on the 4th August 2016.
Enjoy a roundup of the interactive sessions below!
When: Wednesday 5th July, 2016
Where: The Boardroom, Morton Fraser, Edinburgh
Set in the impressive Morton Fraser top floor boardroom with breath-taking views over Edinburgh, our budding entrepreneurs arrived to a feast of sandwiches and sweet treats aimed to energise them ahead of their jam-packed afternoon! Before the 1-2-1’s began, the group were treated to presentations from Scottish EDGE and Informatics Ventures. Evelyn McDonald provided the all-important timings for #ScottishEDGE9, which opens for applications in just two short weeks, whilst Gordon Stuart spoke about Informatics Ventures opportunities and played a teaser trailer for #EIE17! Finally, #ConvergeC judge and non-executive Director and early-stage company consultant, Mary Jane Brouwers, gave an insightful talk and Q&A session.
Our 2016 cohort then had the opportunity to speak face-to-face and confidentially with our superb expert partners and the Converge team, with propositions ranging from educational robots and eco bricks, to a flotation device and medical emergency app.
Our experts:
Judith Smit-Haffmans - Morton Fraser; Jennifer Allison & Diane Pusledzki – Mazars; Geoff Jones – Fearsome; Alister Minty - Neuehansa Ltd; Hamish McIntyre - Morton Ward; Bonnie Clarke - Badenoch and Clarke; Lauris Kemp – Murgitroyd; Andy MacDonald & Bruce Dorricott – RBS; Olga Kozlova & Veronica Ferguson – Converge Challenge
What better way to spend an afternoon than gaining thousands of pounds of advice to help shape your business proposition? #joinedupsupport
This was also this a red-letter day for Anders Jenson, our Murgitroyd expert who welcomed a baby boy into the world. A huge #ConvergeC congratulations to Anders! Thanks also to Fiona Mackenzie from Murgitroyd and Vesta Mitchell from Morton Fraser for their brilliant surgery support, and our fantastic experts for their invaluable contribution.
Next stop, Glasgow!
When: Thursday 6th July – Top Floor, RBS, Glasgow
Where: Top Floor, RBS, Glasgow
The Converge team boarded the 7:48am train to Glasgow for the second day of business surgeries which took place in the spectacular RBS top floor offices. Our experts had a full day of 1-2-1 meetings ahead with a range of business propositions from across the country, including a sustainable clothing range for men, a bike gearing system and an app for the self-management of diabetes.
Our experts:
Stewart Moy - Morton Fraser; Paul Turner & Lynne Welsh – Mazars; Ellen McDermott – Fearsome; Alister Minty - Neuehansa Ltd; Hamish McIntyre - Morton ward; Eilidh Robertson – Badenoch and Clarke; John Cooper, Chris Cairns & Graham Murnane – Murgitroyd; Peter Allish & Carina Casey – RBS; Olga Kozlova & Veronica Ferguson – Converge Challenge
After a quick spot of lunch, our participants were given an overview of #ScottishEDGE9 from Steven Hamill and learned all about the Entrepreneurial Scotland programme from Claire Johnston and Melissa Hynd. Before sessions resumed, the group were lucky enough to hear from #ConvergeC judge and Director at Gabriel Investments, Gill MacAulay, on what she looks for in a business proposition and the importance of speaking to your customers!
There was a great atmosphere on the top floor and even the dreach weather couldn’t dampen our budding entrepreneurs spirits. An inspiring and informative day for all involved! #joinedupsupport
A BIG #ConvergeC thank you to our Glasgow experts, and also to Yvonne Greeves, Stuart Foster and the rest of the RBS team for their generosity and support!
So what’s next for our Final 30?
They now have until Thursday 4th August at 5pm to submit their 20-page business plan. Our KickStarters & Social Enterprisers also have until this date to enter their 5-page business plan and video pitch.
Each business plan will be assessed by the judging panel and ten will be shortlisted to receive 1-2-1 mentoring for 12 months following the competition. The ten will then be re-evaluated and the final six will be selected to attend the Awards Dinner on 22nd September in the Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh.
We wish you ALL the very best of luck!!!
