Stroud Companies Support Young Technology Entrepreneurs

Online, October 29, 2012 (Newswire.com) - The technology ideas network was set up to help young people aged 14 to 24 who have ideas for a use of technology, but not necessarily the means or experience to develop them alone.

Chris Davis who set up the network says: "The technology ideas network gives young people a way to get their ideas off the ground. This generation has grown up using technology and has lots of great ideas. The network connects young people to local technology companies and experts who can give them both start up and ongoing support."

Organisations are encouraged to make a public offer, which can be anything from office space to mentoring. Stroud based web marketing agency Epicado is offering free telephone or email mentoring for up to five start-ups.

Paul Lock, from Epicado said: "We're backing the technology ideas group because it's a great way of helping young people from Gloucestershire to get started in business. Having a great business idea is just the start. Turning that idea into a viable business is the really hard bit and if we can help enterprising young people to avoid the classic mistakes made by so many businesses, we'll have done something worthwhile."

The original Stroud based scheme has received a high level of interest locally from graphic designers, web developers, app developers, software programmers and mobile technology experts as well as attracting enquiries from further afield.

Zoe Hoskins from Bristol-based Skills on Toast, a web design & online marketing company said: "We decided to offer a free, one hour, no obligation chat, for anyone needing support to get online, be it setting up a website, social media accounts or a simple email address. We hope that by doing this we can help to launch new ideas and make them stand out from the crowd."

The scheme is now being expanded to create a national network of technology experts and professionals who can assist young people by responding to their support requests, backing their projects and providing mentoring.

The national initiative gives young people looking for support more choice. "The national scheme places more emphasis on connecting people with technology ideas to investors, mentors and organisations with the means to develop, launch and support technology ideas for both profit and social good," Chris Davis explained.

If you are a technology expert with an interest in helping young people develop their technology ideas, or someone with an idea, you can get involved at www.addmysupport.com/stroudtechideas or contact Chris Davis [email protected]