VFA logo with support session text

VFA Support Sessions

Our Venture Further Awards support sessions have been designed to help strengthen your application to the VFA competition. Covering everything from developing your business model canvas to understanding your finances, these sessions will ensure your application has the best chance of winning that prize money.

    Previous events

    Details of previous events from this year's competition are outlined below.

  • Ellie Buckley headshot

    Information Session, with Ellie Buckley

    Tuesday 18 October, 10:00 - 11:00

    Whether you're unsure if you're idea is suitable to enter or you need advice on how to tackle a certain section of the application, the MEC team are here to answer all your queries and provide some guidance.

  • Ellie Buckley headshot

    Information Session, with Ellie Buckley

    Tuesday 25 October, 10:00 - 11:00

    Whether you're unsure if you're idea is suitable to enter or you need advice on how to tackle a certain section of the application, the MEC team are here to answer all your queries and provide some guidance.

  • Ellie Buckley headshot

    Information Session, with Ellie Buckley

    Tuesday 1 November, 10:00 - 11:00

    Whether you're unsure if you're idea is suitable to enter or you need advice on how to tackle a certain section of the application, the MEC team are here to answer all your queries and provide some guidance.

  • Ellie Buckley headshot

    Information Session, with Ellie Buckley

    Tuesday 8 November, 13:00 - 14:00

    Whether you're unsure if you're idea is suitable to enter or you need advice on how to tackle a certain section of the application, the MEC team are here to answer all your queries and provide some guidance.

  • Ellie Buckley headshot

    Information Session, with Ellie Buckley

    Tuesday 22 November, 10:00 - 11:00

    Whether you're unsure if you're idea is suitable to enter or you need advice on how to tackle a certain section of the application, the MEC team are here to answer all your queries and provide some guidance.

  • Slalom logo

    Understanding your personal why, with Slalom

    DATE TBC

    Forget the spin and the 'fake it till you make it' approach. The most successful businesses are those which are truly authentic and understand their purpose. So... Do you know what you stand for? Do you know what your long-term ambitions are?

    Join Slalom as they help you understand your personal why and get to grips with where your ideas are going.

  • Cath Whitaker headshot

    Could your idea be successful, with Cath Whitaker

    Date TBC

    So you have an idea and you think it may have legs, but how can you be sure it will succeed? Don’t worry, we can help you identify whether your idea has the potential to be a successful business. During this talk, we’ll tackle some of the key questions you need to ask to determine whether there is a market for your product or service, highlighting the importance of validating your assumptions with your key stakeholders.

  • Emma Pallister headshot

    Basics of Intellectual Property, with Emma Pallister

    Tuesday 08 November, 10:00 - 12:00

    Do you have questions about Intellectual Property? Are you unsure what IP is or whether you have any? Emma is offering a number of 121 sessions for Venture Further applicants who wish to discuss any questions surrounding Intellectual Property.

  • Rae Gaukroger headshot

    The art of storytelling, with Rae Gaukroger

    Tuesday 06 December, 10:00 - 12:00

    Entrepreneurs must connect, engage and inspire their customers, key stakeholders and potential partners. Join Rae as she uncovers the mysteries surrounding telling an interesting business story and how perfecting the skill can help your idea thrive.

  • Sarah Ayton and Alison Powell headshot

    Debt and Equity, with GC Business Finance

    DATE TBC

    Developing a start-up is hard, finding funding can be harder. Do you want to understand the different methods for financing your business, whether it's grants, loans or releasing equity? 

    Join GC Business Finance for this session looking at the different opportunities to find the best finance option available for your business.

  • Dan Thomas headshot

    Know your finances, with Dan Thomas

    Wednesday 7 December, 13:00 - 15:00

    Do you have questions about the financial section of the application? We are offering 121 sessions with Dan to give you the opportunity to ask any key questions you may have. 

  • Cath Whitaker headshot

    Creating a Business Model Canvas, with Cath Whitaker

    Wednesday 14 December, 13:00 - 16:00

    Your business model can make or break your business. If you want to be a successful start-up, you need something powerful like the Business Model Canvas (BMC) which addresses the most important elements to launch your start-up and get paid customers. This framework lays out the fundamental elements that help you make money while delivering your unique value proposition. You're invited to join Cath Whitaker for an interactive workshop as she introduces you to the 9 areas of the BMC.

     

  • Leigh Wharton headshot

    Measuring Social Impact, with Leigh Wharton

    Wednesday 1 February, 13:00 - 15:00

    There are many businesses which encourage giving back to their local community, donate to those in need, work on preserving the environment, and so much more. But how do businesses measure their social impact? Whether the purpose of your business is solely for social benefit, or you are interested in starting a socially-conscious enterprise, this workshop will offer great insights to ensure you achieve your social goals.