There are 203 businesses currently trading that have been supported by our START UP offer, a part of our Careers Service.
We're continually impressed by stories from this community, who are utilising their entrepreneurial mindset to adapt and innovate in spite of the many different challenges brought on by Covid-19.
To think like an entrepreneur is to solve problems creatively, in new and different ways. To be one is to be driven to create an impact and to work hard to make your vision a reality. Here are how a few have responded amid the current crisis.
Making a Difference
The socially enterprising app Spareable, which allows charitable individuals to donate to local food banks remotely, are continuing their fight against food poverty by doing all they can to keep food banks across the UK stocked with the items they need most. Due to covid-19 disruptions to supply chains, they have introduced vouchers so that donations can be spent even more wisely. Download the Sparable app.
Alcoholic tea inventors NovelTea are doing their bit by donating £1 to the World Health Organisation’s covid-19 research fund from every bottle of their popular product sold during the pandemic. In the last two weeks of March they raised £600. Purchase a bottle of NovelTea brew.
As many traditional food delivery services become overwhelmed, vegan meal social venture Planty has been working overtime to support a surge in demand whilst also offering all NHS workers 40% off, and all other new subscribers 20% off for goodwill. Sign up for Planty meals.
Helping Everyone Stay Home
Not-for-profit The Palette, which usually provides in-person community arts workshops for disadvantaged groups funded by cake sales, has begun delivering art and craft boxes to children (cupcake included) and leading online sessions to help them express themselves whilst staying at home. Keep the kids you know creative with The Palette.
New Feminist bookclub Women’s Writes, who support female authors, independent bookstores and feminist issues, have moved their events online and are seeing a growth in participation as many look to keep themselves connected and entertained indoors. Join the Women’s Writes club.
Inspired by Isolation
Siena-based service Si Mangia, was born out of the crisis to help small restaurants deliver made-to-order menus to their local communities with a no-food-waste approach. Their support has brought some luxury to lockdown, assisted job retention and in some cases created new jobs. Over Easter weekend they also partnered with a local supermarket to fund and deliver 850 euros in food vouchers to low income homes. Find out more about Si Mangia.
Encouraging Entrepreneurship
Our START UP offer is open to all Newcastle University students and graduates up to 3 years. It provides one-to-one coaching, training, events, peer-support, equity-free funding and more to anyone in pursuit of a self-employed career or new business, whatever stage they’re at. Find out more about START UP.
Stay up-to-date with START UP news and events by following @nclstartup on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
