Posted in Local News, Opinions on 6 July, 2009| 7 Comments »
I often roll my eyes when the standard ‘Are entrepreneurs born or made?’ debate arises, and I’ve never found myself satisfied with the ensuing discussion. However, the topic was raised in recent event small talk, and after intense contemplation I want to put forward a different view. I propose that we are all entrepreneurs by default, but that this instinct is gradually destroyed in most people through (1) criticism, (2) development of fears, and (3) overuse of the word can’t.
Posted in Local News, Support, tagged epis, informatics ventures, launch.ed, sie on 3 July, 2009| Leave a Comment »
Every year, the Scottish Institute for Enterprise (SIE) places a few keen students in every higher education institution in Scotland to discuss and promote entrepreneurship amongst the student community. The 40ish strong team markets the services and events offered by the Universities and SIE such as mentoring, workshops, competitions, talks, and other seminars. (more…)
Posted in Local News on 27 June, 2009| 2 Comments »
The Microsoft & MBM Commercial event really surprised me on Wednesday. And no, it was not just the lack of canapes that caught my attention. The gorgeous Microsoft office, the sociable attendees, and the entertaining presentation offered a new perspective: cloud computing isn’t dull! There was a lot I took away, but I’ll run through the basics of clouds and data centres so you can sound knowledgeable next time a conversation arises. (more…)
Posted in Local News on 24 June, 2009| Leave a Comment »
Last week, Jess, Thomas and I were invited to a roundtable discussion with Neelie Kroes, EU Commissioner for Competition. There were 12 of us present, alongside Neil Mitchison – Head of the European Commission Office in Scotland. The discussion was about how to encourage and support innovation in the recession and each of the participants was asked to offer suggestions of how to improve the environment for entrepreneurs.
The discussion was positive, with the view for a document to be created for further discussion. Here is a selection of comments about how to improve the state of entpreneurship in Scotland: (more…)
Posted in Local News on 20 June, 2009| Leave a Comment »
Every year in August, hundreds of thousands of people come to the city for a number of festivals. It is a known and predictable migration. Surely with this traffic, many short term opportunities arise. The question is whether it is possible to take advantge of these 4 weeks and run a profitable business?
Is it possible to run a cafe, sell umbrellas, discs, tee-shirts or hoodies, create an online platform to help tourists, become a middle-man between tourists and hotels, B&Bs, landlords, etc?
What are your thoughs? Do you think this sounds like an exciting time to trial a business model? Would you be interested in a brainstorming event and network with people exploring that space?
Posted in Local News, Opinions on 19 June, 2009| 11 Comments »
Holocaust denial groups on Facebook have spurred some vicious debate lately, especially in light of the US Holocaust Museum shooting last week, and I can’t help but jump in. After reading Michael Arrington’s TechCrunch article and the heated comments readers left below, I was both infuriated and conflicted. Should Facebook, an open forum for discussion and connectivity, intervene and selectively sensor the content its members create? (more…)
Posted in Local News, tagged twestival, twitter on 17 June, 2009| 3 Comments »
This is a little off-topic, but we’re excited about the announcement of the next Twestival! In case you were wondering what this is – besides a hybrid of the words twitter and festival – in a nutshell, its an event organised on twitter, by twitter types, for charity: (more…)
Posted in Local News, tagged enterprise, Expo, June 06 on 17 June, 2009| Leave a Comment »
Many of the Edinburgh University based startups exhibited at the Enterprise Expo back on 2nd June. Hilary Singer from Launch.ed put a video together; featuring Young SET Ambassors, Dunedin Arts and Ecommo (with our very own Mr Drapier!)
Posted in Local News, Opinions, tagged Entrepreneurship, launch.ed, University of Edinburgh on 16 June, 2009| 2 Comments »
Launch.ed
Launch.ed, the University of Edinburgh’s support service for entrepreneurs, is currently redeveloping its website. You can help. What did you like about the old site? What didn’t you like? If you haven’t visited the site before, you can still help. What sites do you currently use to get information about entrepreneurship and related events? (more…)
Posted in Local News on 16 June, 2009| Leave a Comment »
If you are looking to start up a business, look no further! This is a fantastic incubator programme that is sadly approaching its final year, and they are holding an info session tomorrow 1pm for those of you interested in jumping on the opportunity. Hey, I’ll be there! If you’re uncertain, let Sarah talk you into it, or speak with current EPIS entrepreneurs – Alex, Simon, Patrick, and an assortment of others.
Jeremy Klar, E-Club guru, has kindly provided the following inside scoop:
EPIS/E-club Information Session and 1-on-1 Meetings, Wednesday, June 17th
13:00-13:30, followed by 10 minute, individual meetings until 15:00
LT4, University of Edinburgh Business School, 7 Bristo Square
(more…)
StartupCafe 