INSIGHTS / Blog

On paper, SETsquared’s Entrepreneurship Programme sounded like the perfect course to help develop our fledgling tech business.

I’m part of a team of three, who are developing Brain Book, accessibility software to help people with learning difficulties navigate the web and read and use online resources.
So for example, for someone who suffers from visual stress, also know as Meares-Irlen syndrome, the software will adjust the colours and contrast of the website to optimise the experience of the user. For clients with ADHD, the software will highlight areas of text to aid with focus and concentration. Some of this functionality already exits but we’re bringing it together in a new way.

But I couldn’t help feel nervous about going along, mainly because of my lack of previous business training. I have a Criminology degree and my role in the start-up is to research and use my knowledge of learning difficulties to develop the platform. I wondered how much I would be able to contribute and how much I would understand.

Find out more and apply for SETsquared’s fully-funded Entrepreneurship Programme.

Well, I spent the next two days being proven completely wrong. I went along to the programme armed only with the idea for our software to winning the pitch competition at the end of the two-days!

If you want an informative, no nonsense, jargon busted business training – then this is the programme for you. It’s really hands-on and any bits of theory are put into practice. You look at the fundamental why, what and essentially establish whether you have a financially viable business.

The mentoring was fantastic. Our mentor on the programme, Vincenzo, helped us develop our pitch for the final investor pitch practice and we went on to win. He showed us how to draw on our individual strengths to give a balanced and well-rounded picture of the benefits of our software.

SETsquared’s Entrepreneurship Programme really is for everyone. You don’t need to have a business background, all you need is a tech business idea and willingness to roll up your sleeves and get stuck in.

We’ve now been offered business incubation support from SETsquared and working with them going forward we will be looking to raise our first round of investment.