Developing Your Business Idea with the Anglia Ruskin Enterprise Academy (AREA)

Have you ever thought about starting your own business, becoming self-employed, going freelance, having a portfolio career or ‘side hustle’?

If the answer is ‘yes!’ then the Anglia Ruskin Enterprise Academy (AREA) is here to support you.

AREA is the central hub for start-ups, idea generation, and innovative projects at ARU. Offering a range of programmes, activities, support, and opportunities, we would love anyone with an interest in enterprise and entrepreneurship to get in touch at [email protected]. You can also follow @AREA_ARU on our social media channels Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok to find out about everything that is taking place in the entrepreneurial environment at ARU and beyond!

Did you know we have an Entrepreneurs’ Community at ARU? This is a platform that connects ARU students with alumni and external entrepreneurs and offers engaging network opportunities and resources to help you in your start-up journey.

Our AREA Enterprise Programmes are open to any student across all Faculties in ARU and are accredited by the ARU Certificate for Professional Development (ARUCPD). All completed ARUCPD modules will appear on your transcript, making you stand out from the competition when you graduate.

A Student Experience

Don’t take our word for it – hear from ARU student Komalpreet Kaur, BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science, who completed the ‘Build Your Own Business’ module in the academic year 2022/23.

‘As someone who has always been interested in entrepreneurship, I was excited to take part in the "Build Your Own Business" seminars offered under the ARUCPD module. These seminars proved to be an invaluable resource for me as I worked to develop my business plan and make important connections in the entrepreneurial community.

One of the key benefits of these seminars was the opportunity to learn from experienced entrepreneurs and industry professionals. These individuals shared their knowledge and expertise, offering insights and advice that proved to be incredibly helpful in shaping my own business plan. Additionally, the seminars provided a space for networking and collaboration, allowing me to meet other like-minded individuals who were also working to develop their own businesses.

One of the most valuable skills I learned through these seminars was delivering an effective pitch. This included learning how to tell a compelling story, capture the attention of potential investors, and communicate my vision in a clear and concise manner. By practicing these skills in a supportive environment, I gained confidence and developed the skills necessary to deliver a successful pitch.

In addition to the knowledge and skills that I gained from the seminars; I also received several valuable resources to help me with my business planning. One of the most useful was the business model canvas, which helped me to visualise and articulate the key elements of my business plan. The canvas allowed me to think critically about my value proposition, revenue streams, and customer segments, and to identify areas that required further research and development.

Another resource was the business forecast template. This provided me with a framework for creating financial projections and helped me to identify key performance indicators that would be critical for the success of my business. By using this template, I was able to create a detailed forecast that allowed me to make informed decisions about the future of my business.

Overall, the "Build Your Own Business" seminars offered under the ARUCPD module were incredibly helpful for me as an aspiring entrepreneur. They gave me the knowledge, skills, and resources I needed to develop a strong business plan and make important connections in the entrepreneurial community. I would highly recommend these seminars to anyone interested in starting their own business or expanding an existing one'.

Creating A New Enterprise (CANE) Module

We have now designed a selection of new modules covering various aspects of enterprise and entrepreneurship to replace ‘Build Your Own Business, so from September 2023 you can join:

• ARUCPD Freelancers Programme - Take charge of your future and empower yourself with the tools, strategies, and confidence needed to build a successful freelance career.
• ARUCPD Enterprise Programme - Unleash your entrepreneurial spirit and fuel your imagination with our ARU Enterprise Programme, designed to inspire innovative thinking.
• ARUCPD Social Enterprise Programme - Be the Change-Maker: Turn your passion for social causes into a force for good by acquiring the essential skills and knowledge with our Social Enterprise programme. Get guidance from experts in the field and embark on your rewarding journey to become a social innovator.

Connect with us now and let's make things happen. Opportunities don't wait!

By Catherine Foottit, Student Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Manager

Our Employability Service works with students throughout their time at ARU and after they graduate. The Service offers careers advice, online resources, and help with job searches, applications and interview preparation. Our Employability & Careers Advisers may mention some of these resources and services in their blogs, to give you an idea of the careers support that's on offer at ARU. Some of these resources sit behind a log in and can only be accessed by current students.