Emerging victorious from the den, USW Enterprise is proud to celebrate the winners of the March 2022 Bright Ideas Den (BID)! 

The Bright Ideas Den (BID) runs once per term in November, March and July each year. It is a chance for students and graduates to pitch for up to £1,000 to kickstart an early-stage business or freelance idea. Participants are able to pitch for training, equipment, materials from the funding. 

This year, USW Enterprise has awarded a total of £4,338 to our fantastic winners. We've spoken to five of our winners on their business/freelance hustles and how the funding would help them on their future ventures!

Tegan runs Tegan Foley Photography, where she offers photoshoots and photo editing to her clients. With the funding she hopes to buy a flash for her camera, invest in a photo application and start a marketing plan.

"I am very thankful for the feedback and the acknowledgment of the judges and USW Enterprise as I now know what I need to focus on to help my business grow which is more the business side. I also have professional help which I didn't have before. I feel like I have more support which makes me really grateful."

For Ellyw, the £300 funding would make a huge difference to her to purchase a software and offer a new service to clients, as well as have better marketing and collateral pieces.

"Ellyw Jones Design offers interior design, branding/logo design and social media design. The funding will help my journey because it will enable me to grow as a business, offer new things and be marketed more professionally. Bright Ideas Den is a fantastic opportunity for everyone as a little help from the funding can go a long way for your business."

Lewis offers professional goalkeeping services under his buisness Intelligent Keeping. He has been awarded £500 to have a professional logo design and for legal and insurance aspects. 

"This [funding] will cover the initial costs that are needed prior for me being able to trade as I am required to have certain elements in place."

For his content making studio and independent production company pigeontalkcomedy, Jose is using the funding to increase the production value of the productions/products that his company creates. 

"I'm very appreciative for the feedback and being granted the funding. I will take the feedback as an advice piece for my future business pitches."

Lucy creates illustrated; hand-crafted products based around alternative themes such as tattoo art through her small business Red Vessel Designs. She has developed a variety of products including gifts, accessories and home décor which she sells online through her website, at markets and in a local gift shop. She has been awarded £600 for a heat press, where she would be able to introduce a brand-new clothing range to her brand as well as expand on her existing accessory range.

"I would like to thank the USW Enterprise team for its support - the initial training week that I took part in gave me the confidence to start my business and the speakers were informative and inspirational. I would also like to thank the student enterprise judges for taking the time to read my application and award me funding that will positively impact my business."

The next Bright Ideas Den will open for applications in mid-June.

Funding up to £1,000 is available to current University of South Wales students and graduates. Register your interest below to be kept informed of the latest dates.

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Be sure to check out our website for more info on 1-to-1 sessions, more funding, resources and much more!

Cheers,
Team #StudentEnterprise 😎