ASPIRE:
Turn Ambition into Action
ASPIRE at Kent Business School is your chance to transform your entrepreneurial spirit into actions and success. If you want to make your vision into a reality, ASPIRE is where you can make that happen. Good Business starts with you.
Our ASPIRE spaces offer you a unique and exciting entrepreneurial education via informal drop-in sessions and our Business Start-up Journey, a series of practical and inspiring workshops delivering essential start-up knowledge.
All designed with you in mind to inspire and encourage creativity. APSIRE is available to all students from any course at the University of Kent, giving you the chance to expand your network and encounter new ideas.
ASPIRE takes inspiration from the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. These goals show us the problems that good business can solve, and act as a framework to create more ethical and environmentally conscious businesses.
If you need advice on any aspect of starting a business – from market research to finance, marketing or web design – we can help.
Drop by ASPIRE on the first floor of the Sibson building in Canterbury, or email ASPIRE@kent.ac.uk to book a meeting with one of our Entrepreneurs in Residence.
ASPIRE’s open-plan workspace in Sibson has been specially designed to promote a collaborative working environment. You can work quietly on a business case for a potential investor, rehearse your pitch with partners of take advantage of the resources we provide.
Forge your own path.
Instead of a traditional Year in Industry, why not opt to run your own business instead?
Our Self-Employed Year in Industry (Selfie) option allows you to turn your business dream into a reality as part of your degree, being supported by expert staff in launching your own business.
Be inspired at the launch of this year’s Business Start-Up Journey where successful entrepreneurs Alex Ford and Nadia Simpson, both University of Kent alumni, share their start-up journeys . Discover how ASPIRE can support you to start your own business and develop entrepreneurial skills that will boost your career and employability. Don't miss this opportunity to turn your business dreams into reality. FREE buffet.
Learn how to turn problems into opportunities which could become a new business. Dive into real-world challenges and uncover exciting new business ideas. Followed by free pizza and networking.
Join us for a deep dive into innovation, exploring the Sustainable Development Goals as inspiration for new business ideas. Learn how to use techniques such as Design Thinking and Biomimicry to uncover innovation. Enjoy a free lunch as you collaborate to find sustainable solutions to global challenges.
The more you understand your customer, the more your business will succeed. Use Design Thinking techniques to unlock innovation and new business ideas by viewing the world through your customers' eyes. Followed by free pizza and networking.
Discover how AI can ignite human creativity in identifying new business opportunities. Explore how the latest AI and tech tools can help you start and bring your business to the market. Free pizza.
Learn how to spot emerging trends and use new market information to stay ahead of the curve. Practice using online tools and resources for trend spotting and market research. Followed by free pizza and networking.
Join us for a day of discovery in Canterbury city centre. Work in teams to identify opportunities for new businesses in this hands-on workshop. Enjoy a free lunch while networking with fellow entrepreneurs
Learn how to make your business stand out by evaluating your competitors, understanding their strengths and weaknesses to improve your chances of success. Followed by free pizza and networking.
Learn how to gather real feedback and insights from potential customers. Discover the power of prototyping and the importance of a Minimum Viable Product (MVP). Free pizza.
In this one-day workshop you'll learn how to plan and build an app in Bubble with our Tech Entrepreneur in Residence, Jon Carroll. Free lunch.
Understand how to build a successful business plan to impress investors and plan your success. Followed by free pizza and networking.
Learn how to create a sales strategy tailored to your customers, effectively communicate your business offerings, and understand each stage of your customer's journey. By the end, you'll be equipped to build a winning sales strategy. Followed by free pizza and networking.
Learn from the professionals how to develop your Unique Selling Point (USP) to stand out from the crowd. Followed by free pizza and networking.
Understand the crucial figures which will ensure business success and how to create a compelling financial forecast for your business. Gain insights into various types of costs, understand break-even calculations, and progress towards profitability. No finance background needed. Followed by free pizza and networking.
Learn from professionals what type of finance is available for your start-up and how to interest investors in your business idea. Discover what investors are looking for and learn strategies for engaging with them. Meet with an active investor and ask questions. Followed by free pizza and networking.
In this one-day workshop you'll learn how to plan and build an e-commerce website with our Tech Entrepreneur in Residence, Jon Carroll. Free lunch.
Join our interactive workshop to master effective networking techniques both face-to-face and online to promote your start-up and expand your network. Followed by free pizza and networking.
Are you aware of the legal obligations when starting a business in the UK? In this workshop you'll receive guidance on every aspect, from registering at Companies House to filing tax, trademarking, and protecting your intellectual property.
Step into the Dragon's Den and compete to win in the Business Start-Up Journey pitching finals and win money to start your business. Enjoy networking with ASPIRE's contacts and fellow student and graduate entrepreneurs.
