The Generator held its second Makers Market this week giving students the opportunity to showcase their product-based businesses at the university. Held in the Dreadnought Building seven student businesses took part in the event which saw a record number of attendees and sales since the market's launch. Among the businesses were candle makers, chocolate makers, jewellery designers and an online support group for people looking to go alcohol-free.
The idea of the market is to give students the opportunity to sell to customers and get real-time feedback on their products or business ideas. Entrepreneurship and Innovation student Ifna Maingé said of the experience "I really enjoyed the Makers Market! Seeing fellow students passionately pursuing their entrepreneurial dreams was not only inspiring, but it encouraged me to see that all I need is creativity and drive to start my own business in the future."
As applications for the Enterprise Challenge 2023 have opened it's also a great opportunity for students to test their idea before putting it forward for the £5,000 winning prize. Last year's winner Danielle Bodjo first engaged with the Generator at the Makers Market before going on to enter several workshops and ultimately becoming the Greenwich Entrepreneur of the Year. Her experience in the market helped her to define her idea for an African loungewear company thanks to the real-time feedback she received from her customers.
This year's market was a huge success with over 75 sales made at the stalls during the three-hour event. The market was a real testament to the entrepreneurial and creative talent of students here at the university who are being supported by the Generator. The Generator hopes to help these students grow their businesses over the next academic year with a calendar of engaging workshops and hackathons.
