Budding entrepreneurs to benefit from accelerator programme

The six-week scheme – a joint venture between Barclays Eagle Lab and the Digital Greenhouse – will take the eight through an intensive business boot-camp day followed by five modules. There will then be a pitch event on 20 November, where they will present their business plans to an audience filled with local experts and members of the public.

‘We’re excited to welcome local visionaries that have fantastic business ideas with huge potential onto the programme,’ said Gez Overstall, ecosystem manager at the Barclays Eagle Lab in Guernsey.

‘Starting something from the ground up is one of the most difficult things to do, so we hope this structured approach can help people realise their dreams.’

Experts have also volunteered their time to help get these start-ups off the ground. Support will be offered in the form of speakers and by connecting the entrepreneurs with a business mentor for the duration of the scheme.

It will also play host to a group of 16-18 year old students from the Guernsey Grammar School Sixth Form Centre. This group won its place on the course by emerging from the youth accelerator programme run by the Eagle Lab and Digital Greenhouse in July.

Lucy Kirby, head of digital for economic development at the Digital Greenhouse, said: ‘Supporting local start-ups is fantastic and offering a place to local students can ensure the leaders of tomorrow are also receiving the experience they need to be successful.

‘Guernsey is filled with fantastic skilled talent and we hope some of these bright individuals bring forward their game-changing ideas.’

Those taking part will learn more about everything from finance to marketing and human resources to presentation skills.

n Those interested in attending the presentation evening can apply here: www.digitalgreenhouse.gg/events/2019/eagle-labs-accelerator-presentation-night/.