University News Last updated 07 August
Two entrepreneurial Birmingham City University alumnae are celebrating after winning prizes for their business ventures at the University’s annual boot camp.
Demi Anderson and Ama Oburoh both secured runner-up accolades at this year’s STEAMhouse Hatchery, BCU’s eight-week summer programme that provides recent graduates and students with the support and facilities to turn their business ideas into a reality.
Now into its fifth year, the Hatchery provides participants with an intensive framework designed to help them understand the nuances around owning their own business. This year’s edition saw 80 potential entrepreneurs receive expert-led advice on intellectual property, finance, pitching, market research and more.
Receiving a runner-up prize and £1,500 was Ama, who studied BA (Hons) Digital Animation, for her venture Caught Uncut. Meanwhile, Demi, a BSc (Hons) Midwifery graduate, also secured the same amount for First Frames, which brings professional newborn and bereavement photography directly into NHS maternity services.
“First Frames was created after recognising that many families leave hospital without a single professional image of one of the most significant days of their lives,” Demi explains. “Our services provide convenient, affordable and trauma-informed bedside photography, ensuring families have the opportunity to create precious memories with dignity, compassion and respect.”
Demi signed up to STEAMhouse Hatchery as she knew building her business would require practical support and real-world expertise. After participating in workshops and talks that augmented her business, Demi submitted a video pitch before advancing to an in-person pitching final.
“The Hatchery has provided me with an environment where I can challenge my thinking, strengthen my business model, improve my pitching and build valuable connections,” Demi enthused. “It has really helped me begin turning my vision into a scalable, investible business with meaningful social impact.”
The Hatchery offers those who have graduated from BCU within the past two years the chance to develop their skills and gain the confidence to succeed, regardless of their business idea. There’s also the opportunity to win funding.
“This year’s Hatchery delivered 10 workshops, covering essential criteria such as how you’re going to fund and finance your business, how you’re going to move it forward and how you’re going to tell your story,” explains Jennine Jones, BCU’s Student Enterprise Manager, who runs the programme.
“The final is a nerve-wracking experience, where you have three minutes to get your business idea across to somebody who has no idea about your venture. You must think on your feet, and answer questions you weren’t expecting or do not know much about. It really builds participants’ skill sets and confidence.”
However, participants don’t have to enter the competition part or pitch an idea if they don’t feel ready.
“You don’t have to have a business idea to participate,” Jennine says. “You can simply attend and learn what you might need should you have an idea in the future. Everybody who takes part can learn and achieve something.”
For Demi, she aims to establish First Frames as the UK’s leading hospital-based newborn and bereavement photography service. First, though, she has short-term goals in mind.
“My focus right now is on securing our first NHS pilot, demonstrating the clinical, social and commercial value of the service, and building a scalable model that can be replicated nationally,” she explains.
Demi also encourages her fellow members of the BCU Alumni Community to get involved. “The best learning comes from doing,” she says. “You don’t have to wait until you feel completely ready. Just start. Be curious, keep focused and keep showing up.”