Entrepreneurs Connect Launch Event

Sparkhouse, a thriving business incubation hub situated at the University of Lincoln’s Research & Enterprise Department, is celebrating 20 years of delivering business support.

Since being established in 2003, Sparkhouse has supported 1045 businesses to start helping create over 1200 jobs.

A year-long programme of events are planned in celebration of the support the hub has contributed to Greater Lincolnshire’s thriving business community and economy and show its commitment to the area’s future.

To kick-start the anniversary, the University of Lincoln’s Research & Enterprise Department in partnership with Streets Chartered Accountants, is  launching Entrepreneurs Connect, an initiative aimed at connecting like-minded, forward-thinking business founders in Greater Lincolnshire.

The launch event will take place on Friday 20^th January and is free to attend.

Additionally, The Productivity Programme for Greater Lincolnshire, another area of business support provided by the University Lincoln and European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), has supported 47 graduates with start-up grant funding, coaching and mentoring for their start-up businesses via Growing Graduate Enterprise; 64 businesses have benefited from support from their Business Angel Network; provided funding to support the recruitment of 52 graduate interns totalling £151,500; and over £257,000 worth of grant funding has been provided for businesses’ research and development costs supporting productivity and growth.

Now, to mark the 20th year, Sparkhouse in partnership with Streets Chartered Accountants, is launching Entrepreneurs Connect, an initiative aimed to facilitate opportunities and events for Greater Lincolnshire’s entrepreneurs to gain valuable skills and exchange knowledge, ultimately creating a strong and inclusive network of enterprising minds across Greater Lincolnshire.

Through Entrepreneurs Connect, like-minded, forward-thinking business founders will be able to build connections, learn from one another and feed into each other’s supply chains.

On launching the initiative, Charlotte Baxter, Enterprise Manager, University of Lincoln said:

“Entrepreneurs Connect aims to inspire today and tomorrow’s emerging entrepreneurs in the region, fostering an environment for innovation while helping to enhance the message that Greater Lincolnshire is a fantastic place to launch and grow a business.

“We are delighted to be partnering with Streets Chartered Accountants on this initiative, their continued support and commitment to budding entrepreneurs and start-ups within Greater Lincolnshire is invaluable”

James Pinchbeck, Marketing Partner at Streets Chartered Accountants and Chair of the University of Lincoln International Business School Advisory Board, commented:

“The University of Lincoln’s Research & Enterprise Department is helping put Lincolnshire on the map as a place to study, live, start and grow a business.

“At Streets Chartered Accountants, we are huge advocates for new businesses,  budding entrepreneurs and for providing support to entrepreneurial growth businesses. In co-launching Entrepreneurs Connect we are showing our commitment to ensuring innovation in Lincolnshire continues to go from strength to strength.

 “The initiative is a fantastic way for the county’s great minds to boost their connections and find new opportunities and we are proud to continue our support and collaboration with Sparkhouse, Think Tank and Eagle Labs.”.

The launch event for Entrepreneurs Connect will take place on Friday 20^th January from 10.30am – 12.30pm at the Orange Room, Think Tank, Lincoln. Brunch will be included.

 The morning will involve informal networking over brunch followed by an introduction to the network and its aims. James Pinchbeck will then facilitate an interactive discussion with the panel of entrepreneurs and invite attendees to express what they would like to see from the network to ensure future events deliver the most impact and value for them.

Panellists for the event include: Zara and Ellie Pickles – Co-Founders of Cognito Bar and Restaurant, Zoe King – Director of Epix Media, Independent Governor of the University of Lincoln’s Board of Governors and Growth Hub Governance Board Member for the Greater Lincolnshire LEP, and Peter Watson – Managing Director and Co-founder of marketing agency Distract and investment and growth incubator, Featured.

To secure your place at the launch event which is free to attend, please email: enterprise@lincoln.ac.uk  with the subject Entrepreneurs Connect.