Management Report Digital Content SME – Business Development Programme Pilot

This report details the outcomes of a Digital Content SME – Business Development Programme Pilot delivered from October to November 2009. Hosted by the innovation team at Ulster with the support of Babson College (Boston), the programme was designed specifically for companies in the Digital Content Collaborative Network and supported by Invest NI ERDF funding. In overview, the programme developed participants’ knowledge of the business development process and facilitated the refinement of investment presentations. A key outcome was substantial evidence of business model refinement/redevelopment in participant companies.A focal aspect of the programme was a study visit to Babson College, globally regarded as the leading centre for entrepreneurship education and training1 Summary of the business model . During the study visit the entrepreneurs presented to a range of experienced venture capitalists. An unexpected and powerful learning experience was provided by the interaction between the entrepreneurs and 25 executives who were attending Babson College as part of Masters Degree programmes provided by the Ulster Business School. The study visit to Babson also included business growth case studies / bespoke study visits to relevant US companies, as well as opportunities to engage with a team of American business growth experts. Following the Babson visit participants met to debrief and outline future opportunities