University of Exeter: New Handbook supports Exeter’s Entrepreneurial Community

A new ‘one-stop-shop’ handbook offering tools and guidance to students, researchers, staff, and businesses interested and involved in entrepreneurship has been launched by the University of Exeter.

Innovation, Impact and Business’s Commercialisation Team, together with SETsquared Exeter and Student Startups, have created The Exeter Entrepreneur.

The handbook provides valuable tools, frameworks, and resources to aid those embarking on a new initiative with solutions to address identified challenges.

The Exeter Entrepreneur also signposts users to the support on offer for those embarking on a new venture or innovation project, this may be through forming a student startup, social enterprise, charity, or commercialising research by setting up a spin-out company or working with industry.

Joe Pearce, Head of Business Support for SETsquared Exeter, said, “The Exeter Entrepreneur helps outline some of the fundamental aspects to consider when considering an entrepreneurial venture, as well as helping to set the tone for the sorts purpose-led, impactful organisations which the University of Exeter is keen to work with and support.

“It is also beneficial to see the entire pathway of support, from 1st-year undergraduate to a Scaling business, laid out clearly.

“I hope this will offer aspiring entrepreneurs the confidence to take the first step, knowing that the University of Exeter will be there to support them all the way.”

The Exeter Entrepreneur is broken into three distinct parts so that users can access information most relevant to them and the stage of their journey:

Part One: The Bigger Picture

This section deals with the fundamentals and overarching topics that will set up any new startup project on solid foundations. Users are introduced to tried and tested methodologies, tools and approaches that can be utilised throughout their journey, from initial idea to successful launch and beyond.

Part Two: Incubation, Acceleration and Scale Up

Here, the handbook outlines the support and resources available to budding entrepreneurs. Read about the wide range of programmes and opportunities available for students, researchers, staff, and businesses that incubate and accelerate new ideas, entrepreneurial skills, new venture creation and innovation. For researchers and staff, the handbook also provides an overview of the University’s approach to commercialisation, shares some top tips, and outlines the typical steps taken when creating a university spin-out company.

Part Three: Launching your Business

Part Three is for those that have chosen to set up a new limited company to take their innovative solution to the world. This section provides expert guidance from several professional business advisory firms on fundamental topics that new startup founders need to get up to speed on.

Emily Davies, Student Startup Manager, said, “This handbook is the go-to guide for information on the wide range of support available to budding entrepreneurs, innovators and change-makers here at the University of Exeter.

“It has been presented in an accessible and engaging format – breaking down a huge amount of information into handy bite-sized chapters. It is packed full of useful resources, guidance and contacts to ensure you know when, where and how to access the support you need, at whatever stage you are in your journey.”

Neil Hayes, Innovation, Impact and Business’s Assistant Director of Enterprise and Innovation Programmes, said, “The Exeter Entrepreneur is a must-read for anyone thinking about starting a new venture. It provides a wealth of information and resources to guide you on your journey whether you are a student, University staff or an external entrepreneur.”