Imperial: London’s largest free event for entrepreneurs looking to set up or grow a business

The Dispatch Day will be held at Imperial College Business School on Wednesday 28 May 2014 from 4-8pm.

Open to anyone with a business idea and start-ups, the Dispatch Day will introduce entrepreneurs to organisations that could provide assistance ranging from access to finance, mentoring and support networks to providing advice on trademarking products.

Dr Marco Mongiello, Director of MSc Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Management, at Imperial College Business School, said:

"This unique event will be largest entrepreneurial occasion in London.  It will provide visitors with the chance to start a dialogue with our leading participating organisations, who will provide entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs with the advice and practical support they need to translate their ideas into potential success.  Entrepreneurship plays a key role in the UK’s economy, creating new jobs and fostering competition.  This event is a real chance for budding entrepreneurs out there to take full advantage of the opportunities that we offer through this free event."

There will be some 30 incubators, hubs and other companies attending and journalists will be able to speak to representatives during the event, who will be giving presentations to entrepreneurs about how to secure funding, how to launch a new business and how to build a network of business contacts.

The event will also enable members of the media to see entrepreneurs developing their business ideas on the spot with organisations such as Start Up Loans.  This is a government funded scheme that provides loans and mentoring to entrepreneurs.

Speakers and organisations available for interview at the Dispatch Day include:

Professor Mike Wright, Head of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Imperial College Business School – he will talk about the Business School’s Enterprise Research Centre (ERC).  Professor Wright can talk about how researchers at the centre are exploring the factors that influence business investment and performance, and identify barriers to growth.

Dr Marco Mongiello, Director of MSc Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Management at Imperial College Business School – he will talk about the purpose of the Dispatch Day and the ways Imperial College Business School helps entrepreneurs.

Claire Cockerton, deputy head at Level 39 - Level39 is Europe’s largest technology accelerator space for finance, retail and future cities. Claire Cockerton will be talking about why Level 39 is participating at the event and what outcomes they hope to get from it.

Mark Hammond, Technology Transfer Associate at Imperial Create Lab -  Mark Hammond will be talking about the Digital Enterprise Accelerator he founded as part of Imperial Create Lab.  This initiative helps budding entrepreneurs turn their idea into a business via workshops, talks, funding and mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs.

For further information and to register your attendance please contact:

Maxine Myers, Media and Communications Officer, Imperial College Business School [email protected]