30 Oct Barclays Financial Insights Event: Empowering Creatives with Essential Business Knowledge
On Wednesday, October 30th, 2024, a team from Barclays, in collaboration with Islington Council, visited the FC Designer Workspace to offer valuable financial insights and business support to our designers and students. Navigating the financial side of a creative business is often one of the most challenging aspects for entrepreneurs, especially for those just starting. This session aimed to demystify the complexities of banking and business planning, giving our community the tools and knowledge they need to succeed.
Building a Balanced Startup Team: The “Hacker, Hustler, and Hipster” Model
One of the standout points of the talk was Barclays’ introduction of the “Hacker, Hustler, and Hipster” model, a proven framework for building a well-rounded startup team:
- Hacker: Focused on product development and technology, the Hacker drives innovation and technical expertise.
- Hustler: Responsible for business growth, sales, and revenue generation, the Hustler brings energy and focus on scaling the business.
- Hipster: The creative mind of the team, the Hipster ensures the product is user-friendly, visually appealing, and market-ready.
This approach to team-building resonated with our designers, many of whom are solo entrepreneurs or working in small teams. The insight into how each role contributes uniquely to business success offered a fresh perspective on the importance of collaboration and diverse skill sets in startups.
Barclays Eagle Labs: A Hub for Innovation and Growth
Barclays Eagle Labs was highlighted as a key resource for startup founders and scale-up businesses. This entrepreneurial network provides extensive support, including:
- Mentorship: Connecting startups with experienced mentors for tailored guidance.
- Learning and Development: Offering a range of learning materials, reports, and growth programs to help businesses at every stage of development.
- Physical Spaces: Providing coworking spaces across the UK designed to foster innovation, collaboration, and community, overseen by Ecosystem Managers who bring local support and resources.
For our community at FC Designer Workspace, which includes startups at varying stages, Barclays Eagle Labs represents a comprehensive support system that aligns with our mission of empowering creative businesses.
Female Founder Support Program
Recognising the unique challenges faced by women entrepreneurs, Barclays also introduced their Female Founder Accelerator, developed in partnership with AccelerateHER. This nine-week program supports female founders beyond the idea stage, providing masterclasses in key areas such as marketing, sales, financial management, and team-building. Participants benefit from one-on-one mentoring, accountability groups, and networking opportunities, culminating in a showcase event. This initiative aligns with our values at Fashion-Enter, as we continually seek to support underrepresented voices in the business landscape.
Support for Startups and Scaleups
Beyond creative businesses, Barclays Eagle Labs extends its support to startups and scaleups across various industries:
- Startups: Providing resources, mentorship, and local coworking spaces to help founders develop their ideas and build a strong foundation.
- Scaleups: Tailored programs to assist established businesses in overcoming the unique challenges of scaling. This includes the Barclays Demo Directory, which connects scaleups with potential investors.
Connecting Investors and Founders
Barclays Demo Directory, a platform connecting founders with investors, was also introduced, offering scaleup founders an opportunity to showcase their business and secure funding to drive growth. This focus on investment readiness is essential for creatives looking to expand and reach new markets.
Gratitude and Partnership
A special thank you to Sunny Vaidya, Chiara Neiddu, Andy Tsangari, Alistair Drew-Yeates, and Kristine Agnaan from Barclays for their time, insights, and dedication to supporting our creative community. Their expertise has provided our designers with a deeper understanding of business finances and potential growth pathways. We also extend our gratitude to Andrew Paschalis, Local Economy Officer for Finsbury Park Ward & Town Centre, for his continuous support in fostering connections that empower our local businesses.
Through partnerships like this, FC Designer Workspace remains committed to providing our designers and students with the resources, knowledge, and network to succeed in their entrepreneurial journeys.
Feedback included:
“I learnt about the various options to access business support and funding. Please run more of these sessions.”
“I found out about the various opportunities for businesses varying between startup and established. I would be interested in more specialised classes on certain business topics, e.g. business plans, setting up business accounts.”
“I found the workshop to be very insightful.”
For more information on the services and programs offered by Barclays Eagle Labs, please visit their website and explore the wealth of opportunities they provide to startups and scaleups across the UK.
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.