It seems entrepreneurial spirit is infecting the country. The latest series of Dragons' Den is on our TVs, the Scouts are awarding an entrepreneur badge and the Big Society is urging us all to provide the services for which we might once have turned to the public sector.
A few weeks ago, universities minister, David Willetts, told students that they should start thinking about jobs which weren't traditionally considered "graduate jobs". As well as suggesting "cocktail waitress" as a possible career choice, he also pointed out that students shouldn't be afraid to start their own companies. Being an entrepreneur, he felt, shouldn't be something that only comes with age.
So, if you have an idea so hot it could rival Reggae Reggae Sauce and need some advice on how to get it going, our panel are here to advise. Offering help on how to get funding, increase sales, market your product and anything else, they'll be online from 1pm on Monday 2 August. Join the Q&A here.
The panel:
David Bozward, director of technology and Flying Start for the National Council for Graduate Entrepreneurship
Alex Hook, investment manager for NESTA. He makes and manages investments in the cleantech, healthcare and engineering sectors.
Victoria Lennox, founder of the National Consortium of University Entrepreneurs
Rebecca Harding, heads up the World Entrepreneur Society as well as running her own economics consultancy, Delta Economics.
Siân Prime, course director for Goldsmiths' MA in Creative and Cultural Enterprise.
Lucian Tarnowski, founder of BraveNewTalent.com and Europe's youngest Young Global Leader (YGL).
Stephen Green, head of communications for the Entrepreneurs Forum will be online from 1.30pm — 3.30pm.
Thom Wood, founder of 3AngryMen, a video production company he started on leaving university.
Colin Baker, M.D. of Back from the Future, a technology store and lab he started on graduation. He also presents the technology slot on Ireland AM.
