Innovation
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Innovation Central can help BUSINESS start-ups! How do you turn an innovative and exciting idea into a viable business? Here at Innovation Central we award 12 bursaries a year of up to £ 3500 to small innovative start-up businesses based in Camden or Islington. So far the bursaries have helped make many new and exciting business ideas a reality, leading to many success stories. Day One Productions is a small education supplier providing storytelling DVDs to primary schools. They received their Innovation bursary only this year, and used it to pay for business advice. The response was almost immediate, with a potential client who wanted their product. The Innovation Central bursary scheme has also helped scientific businesses such as Aural Hygiene, one of the winners of University College London’s Entrepreneurs Challenge 2008. They developed a micro-suction service to deal with impacted earwax. They have since delivered to the NHS. Our bursaries have also benefited creative industries. Peachy is a progressive company that specialises in the design and manufacture of interior products and soft furnishings. It was set up by Lauren Moriarty to produce and distribute her own work and that of other designers. Since its launch in September 2007, David Saunders’ fashion label, David David, has attracted positive press. The bursary award is being used to develop a business plan featuring strategic participation in fashion and trade shows. The deadline for the round of bursary awards is 18 December 2008. Innovation Central can also help fund events that benefit businesses based in Camden and Islington.
Got a business idea? We award 12 bursaries a year of up to £3500 to small innovative start-ups
Central Saint Martins’ Innovation building
— For more information on how to apply for a bursary or details of upcoming events check out www.innovationcentral.co.uk —
How to win work and influence people The start of the new academic year coincided with the launch of a new digital creative networking community for the arts, Jotta. Jotta also gives artists a forum to network, discuss issues, source practical information and to look for work. Marketplace, the online opportunities page, gives organisations and individuals an area to advertise commercial briefs , job offers and collaborative opportunities. Because portfolios are already on-line artists can easily apply for openings offered. For the best on Jotta and daily updates users can access the on-line magazine for reviews, interviews, news and features. Jotta also gives them a forum to network, discuss issues and source practical information – from legal advice to studio swap details – and look for work opportunities. Marketplace, the online opportunities page, gives organisations and individuals an area to advertise commercial briefs, job offers and collaborative opportunities. Artists can then use their portfolio to apply for openings in a seamless way because their work is already posted on site. For the best on Jotta, users access the magazine with reviews, interviews, news and features. Jotta.com is a CSM Innovation and University of the Arts London partnership venture designed to support artists. So whether you’re an artist wanting to be seen by the world or you’re looking for new, exciting talent you should be logging on. — www.jotta.com —