The SEED Formula
Empowering Rural People in the U.K.
Last September we took the opportunity to launch The Seed Formula – a new, fun, invigorating programme to support female rural entrepreneurs in Northern Ireland – it was a tremendous success with 14 businesses built and some 200+ entrepreneurs inspired to start a brand or business by the end of the programme.
In addition our team were highly commended by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Minister of Northern Ireland, Edwin Poots MLA – a great accolade to achieve for a start-up build out of lockdown.
It’s time to open the doors again and invite you – irrespective of your gender or location in the U.K. to come join us on our online, offline, part-time programme.
We will be running some added webinars in the coming weeks where you can ask your questions if need be before making your decision to join us – keep checking our social media.
Do you want to start or grow a business?
Got an idea? Struggling to start a business or have already started your own business, but don’t know what to do next (or just want to know more about entrepreneurship), we can support and guide you!
What can we do together?
We will cut through the noise, complexity, buzz words and tell you in simple terms what you really need to know to start, launch and grow a successful business and brand. Taking you through the essential building blocks to help you and your business move forward, completing exercises, templates and questions to implement the learning into your business.
Why our team?
Over the last 10 years we have helped thousands of entrepreneurs, starts-ups, SME’s, business owners, directors, founders, CEO’s to start and grow phenomenal businesses.
We believe that the best way to learn is by being yourself and utilising your entrepreneurial mindset. THE SEED FORMULA programme is the perfect 4-month experience that puts the practical application of new and existing skills, talents and knowledge with mindfulness at its core.
Imagine being able to unlock your entrepreneurial mindset to build or improve upon your own business, to launch your project and gain added success not just for you but your team, customers and community.
Part of our initiative is to grow the local and national entrepreneurial culture with an emphasis currently on the UK and Ireland economies. We will support any entrepreneur or business owner from pre-start, early stage, late stage or those looking for diversity in these challenging times.
Our programmes are people led and people driven.
*Additionally, we can tap into our network of successful entrepreneurs where you can gain added knowledge and insights.
What are we promising you?
Our promise is to guide and encourage you through these changing times.
Maybe one option right now is to build upon your vision, create your own job, by starting a business. Trust us, this is easier than you think! As little as twenty years ago you would need a large capital sum, a strong business plan and a great bank manager just to get started.
With our help and guidance, we can show you how to build your products, services, business and brand at a minimal cost and of course making sure you have a viable business model before spending too much money on branding, websites, company set-ups etc.
Another option is to be able to reposition your current business, step back for a little while and focus on working on your business instead of constantly working in your business. This is where growth can be truly found.
Whichever option you decide, we can support you! One thing we are sure of you’ll develop your entrepreneurial skillset and mindset so that you can launch and grow your business with ease and confidence whilst sharing your unique style.
What do you get?
- Immersive experience
- Digital modules
- Weekly zoom sessions
- Weekly live mentoring sessions
- Peer support
- Buddy service
- Online community
- No travel required
The programme is via Zoom so that you continue to focus on your business and other obligations while you participate in the programme (no need to travel).
However we are setting up local hubs throughout the U.K. for any individuals who would prefer to meet in person and there will be added events and opportunities to network ensuring the correct protocol at this time.
We understand the power of a collaborative community so from day one we will connect you with the rest of your cohort via a private Facebook Group where you can continue to support each other through your entrepreneurial journey.
What we are looking for?
Here are a few of the questions we will ask you to establish whether this programme is the perfect fit for you.
- Are you thinking of starting a business?
- Are you the owner or decision maker in your business?
- Are you working part-time or full-time on this business?
- Do you know there are customers who want your product or service?
- Do you plan to employ staff?
- Are you looking to grow or scale your business?
- Have you just started a business?
- Is your turnover under £1,000, £10,000, £25,000 or £50,000?
There is no right or wrong answer to these questions they simply help us determine if THE SEED FORMULA programme is right for you. We want to make sure we can get the best out of you, so that you can get the best out of us. We are looking for committed individuals who are ready to grow themselves and their businesses.
Testimonials
Hear it straight from some fabulous individuals on our previous cohort. These are taken at different stages through-out the programme.
Shirley combines her extensive corporate experience with her keen interest in the individual to create a programme that is both challenging and encouraging to the budding entrepreneur. The key Seed Formula elements of teaching the basics alongside individual and group mentoring provide a supportive space to learn and grown alongside like minded individuals. The programme is encouraging me to transform what felt like an unachievable pipe dream into reality. ABIGAIL
Shirley is so knowledgeable, yet she will answer any question with no judgement – no question is too stupid! When starting off a business you don’t know what you don’t know. This programme helps you think deeper and outside of the box. The camaraderie between all the fellow entrepreneurs is supportive and encouraging I feel honoured and privileged being part of this programme. NICOLA
At the beginning of the programme I simply had an idea. Six weeks later I now have the beginnings of a brand. Through mindful teaching and entrepreneurial experience, Shirley uniquely delivers a business programme like no other. I now believe in both myself and my business. LOUISE
Shirley has given me the confidence to rely on my own instinct in regards to my decisions in my business. The peer support is so encouraging and lovely to share the ups and downs with others who are also experiencing the same things! CAITRIN
Shirley sees each participant in the programme as a whole person, not just the business and invites us to look inward and make our own definition of what our successful business will look like. She encourages us all to support each other and her teachings stop us from getting side-tracked in all the business noise and to focus on what really matters to us and our ideal customers. LEONA
These past 5wks have been honestly invaluable for me. I lost my confidence in my ability, skills and value within the community. It has given me focus, direction to build the foundations and keeping things simple, achievable with short and long term goals. MORAG
Shirley has helped me see and acknowledge the reality of what I have done already and given me the confidence to now know that anything is possible with the right people and knowledge around you. With the added safety that comes with them walking beside you also. LOUISA
This programme is making my dream of being a successful entrepreneur a reality. PAULINE
The programme is giving me so much more clarity. I have probably approached my business more like a hobby for the past few years and Shirley has helped me reposition. I am so motivated and excited to grow. Her knowledge is extensive and it is a real privilege to be a part of this programme. JAI
Frequently asked questions
As you contemplate either starting or growing your business you may be struggling with some of these questions. That’s why we have put together some simplistic answers to help you make your decision and encouraging you to start THE SEED FORMULA.
How do I start a business?
- First you need to find your why.
- Understand what do you know?
- What do you love?
- What can you offer?
Where do find a business idea?
(and evaluate whether it is a good one or not)
- Find your first business idea (by using the know, love and offer above)
- Brainstorm your business
- Choose your business
- Validate your business
How do I find more customers?
- Find your audience exercise
- Customer demographics
- Value proposition
- Your synergy between your product/service and your customer
How do I raise more money?
- Investment capital
- Loans
- Grants
- Angel investors
