Thanks to GEW team for their support!
On the 15th Mowgli hosted the Entrepreneur’s Jam at Falafel King in Bristol, a networking event to coincide with Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW). GEW is recognised as being the world’s largest celebration of entrepreneurship and our Bristol event was one of an estimated 40,000 events, programmes and workshops that are taking place in 120 countries worldwide. In addition to our activities in the UK, Mowgli has been busy running events and programmes in Lebanon.
As a volunteer at Mowgli, I was unsure of what to expect, and found it interesting and enjoyable to mingle with people involved with the charity. Mowgli’s mentors, entrepreneurs, volunteers and other supporters in the South West were given the opportunity to learn more about Mowgli’s work, in particular its UK plans for mentors and entrepreneurs. Mowgli’s staff were on hand to answer questions about the Mowgli Mentoring Experience. On 13th-15th January an intensive training and relationship programme will take place which will allow entrepreneurs to develop a framework to work with their mentors throughout the year. Jason Baker, a Mowgli mentor was also there and able to offer first-hand advice and information on the charity’s programmes and the benefits of mentoring both for mentors and entrepreneurs.
Tristan Hogg addresses Mowgli entrepreneurs
We were fortunate enough to have local entrepreneur, Tristan Hogg of Pieminister in attendance for a question and answer session. He told the story of how in 2002, he and his business partner created a plan to use locally sourced, free-range ingredients to pursue a single product that they were focused on and passionate about- pies! From that point the business grew, and now has shops and stalls in several cities in the UK, as well as sales in outlets such as pubs, farmers markets, food halls and supermarkets.
Tristan was able to talk through his mistakes and challenges as well as his successes, providing useful, engaging and interesting information for all of us that were there. He was a great speaker with an obvious passion for what he does, and has an inspirational story for all those that are starting up or developing their own businesses. One of the interesting things he talked about was Pieminister’s use of social media. You can follow them on twitter here.
From a personal perspective, I found it useful to get a deeper understanding of Mowgli’s work. It was really enjoyable to interact with people that are passionate about mentoring and entrepreneurship, and gain a further appreciation for why Mowgli does what it does, and the benefits of its fantastic programmes. We were also able to enjoy some excellent food from Falafel King, which was definitely a highlight!
