Acorns Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is
the Acorns Plus Programme?
A programme of practical assistance for people
who are committed to starting their own business and want to build
their confidence through learning more about good business
practices. Through supporting and being supported by others with
like minded thoughts you will gain valuable insights, knowledge and
contacts to help you turn your dreams into reality.
2. When
does the next programme start?
17 - 21 June 2013, 9.00am to 5.00pm
3. How
many people are on each programme?
There is a minimum of 10 participants on each
programme and a maximum of 15.
4. Are
there any qualifications needed to join the programme?
No formal qualifications. Of more
importance is the ability to demonstrate the drive and
determination necessary to run your own business.
5. How
does the selection process work?
Complete the online application form. We
will then invite you to meet for half an hour so you can ask us any
questions you have about whether the programme is right for you and
we can learn more about you and your business idea.
Following that meeting, a selection panel, consisting of
representatives of York St John Business School, meets to decide
who should be offered a place on the programme.
6. What
happens on the programme?
Each session is led by someone who is in
regular contact with small businesses in their daily work so they
can relate to the issues start up businesses face. Most of
those speakers will be external to York St John Business School,
such as practising marketing and media professionals, accountants
and solicitors. We also make extensive use of successful
small businesses in specialist areas, as well as government
institutions, such as HM Revenue & Customs.
These sessions are interactive and the week
will culminate in a session with all participants delivering a 5
minute presentation of their business/business idea.
7. What
background do other Acorns come from?
Impossible to generalise. People who
will be on the programme with you will include some who are already
fledgling businesses, some who are in the process of starting
their business and others who know self employment is for them but
haven’t yet formulated a business idea. The only rule we have
is that we don’t have two potentially competing businesses on the
same programme so you can talk freely about your business
vision.
8. How
much does it cost?
The programme costs £500. The student
concessionary fee is £150. There are also fully funded places
available if your current circumstances are unemployment or facing
redundancy.
9. What
does the fee include?
Week programme with high quality speakers and
facilitators
Refreshments and lunch
Networking lunch at a designated business
network
Access to University IT & Library
facilities
Access to online teaching environment
6 monthly follow up meetings
10. What are the methods of
payment?
You can pay the fees by cheque (made payable
to ‘York St John University’), debit/credit card and online bank
transfer (BACS).
Contact us if your question is not here:
E: acorns@yorksj.ac.uk
T: 01904876868 or 01904876339