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Tell us in one paragraph Virgin Start-Up start-up story, where and when did it all begin?

There are more start-ups in the UK than ever before. Most of these start-ups need support and access to finance to grow into sustainable businesses. Virgin StartUp have partnered with the government’s Start-up Loans scheme to offer British-based entrepreneurs loans of £500- £25,000. These loans are specifically designed for early stage start-ups that require funding to get to the next stage. Borrowers do not need collateral or lose any equity stake through this funding. Virgin StartUp isn’t just about loans – we’re built by entrepreneurs, for entrepreneurs, we offer expertise built through 40 years of launching Virgin companies. With every loan comes mentoring and support from the Virgin family and exclusive offers and opportunities throughout the Virgin group. Since launching in late 2013 we’ve given out over £10m to entrepreneurs in the UK.

What do Virgin Start-Up do and how do you find solutions for/help clients?

We’re on a mission to help Britain’s startups to be even greater we do this via:

·     Business Advice - every eligible loan applicant is partnered with a business adviser to complete a full business plan and financial projections.

·     Virgin StartUp loans are Government-backed, ranging from £500 - £25,000, with an interest rate of 6.17%. Repayment terms three to five years.

·     All successful loan applicants will be matched with a handpicked mentor. Our volunteer mentors are committed to at least 15 hours of free one-on-one support for the first year.

·     This is just the beginning. Every loan comes with exclusive offers and opportunities throughout the Virgin Group.

·     You will be invited to join the Virgin StartUp Club, which gives you access to a community of entrepreneurs, training, workshops, masterclasses and peer-to-peer networking. Membership starts from as little as £10 per month.

Who are you looking to meet by exhibiting at the Mums Enterprise Roadshow

First off we’re looking forward to hearing some great business ideas! We’re passionate about new businesses and discussing ideas for startups is our favourite thing to do. Hopefully we’ll meet some bright mums who are on the road to following their dream of becoming their own boss and also meet some inspiring people who are already well into that journey of building a sustainable business.

When coming to the events should people bring anything with them so they can progress discussions with you on the event day?

 Before you can access the funding from Virgin StartUp you will need to complete the Virgin StartUp business plan. We match you with a business advisor to help you make it as great as possible but we always ask applicants to have a go at completing as much of it as they can to give the business advisor an idea of what your startup idea is. Each question comes with a video that gives you the information you need to complete. Download the business plan for free now.

What is your top 3 work or business tips for ambitious mums?

We run events and workshops for entrepreneurs looking to start and grow businesses every month. One of these was focused on celebrating female entrepreneurship so I thought it would be fitting to share our top tips from that.

Be courageous – “For me the opposite of success isn’t failure: it’s not trying,” Annabel Karmel, founder of Annabel Karmel. Contrary to what most people believe failure can be positive – it can lead to a breakthrough, or spur you into trying a different approach. Annabel’s first book was turned down by multiple publishers, despite this, it’s still a best-selling cookery book decades on.

Learn to tell your story – “You’re selling yourself all the time. If you’ve got friends, you’ve sold yourself to them  - they’ve bought into who you are and they like who you are. Knowing your story gives you emotional impact and allows customers to feel connected to you; they see the real you behind the business, the person you are, and root for your cause. You’re not a faceless business – you’re a person with a dream, who’s determined to achieve it. So use your story to sell your business.”  Madeline McQueen, Business Coach

And finally one of our own:

Have a very clear USP – there are more startups in the UK than ever before. Some sectors are very crowded so it’s vital that you are absolutely clear on what makes your business different to your competitors and make sure that uniqueness is put front and center of your branding.