LCF Grad Futures: Enterprise Challenge 2027 Launch Event

Whether you have the spark of an idea, are curious about turning a concept into a viable business, or already know that self-employment is the path you want to pursue after graduation, the Enterprise Challenge is your opportunity to gain the skills, experience, and confidence to build your future.

Open to all LCF students, the Enterprise Challenge supports aspiring founders who want to develop a business concept and are ready to test, refine and grow it. Whether your idea is disruptive, socially impactful or addresses a clear market need, the Enterprise Challenge series is designed to help you turn your idea into a viable venture.

At this launch event, you'll learn everything you need to know about the support series, the application process, key deadlines and the awards. You'll also hear from previous winner Sean O'Brien about their journey and how participating in the Enterprise Challenge helped transform an idea into a business opportunity.

If you're ready to think big, challenge convention and join the next generation of innovators and founders, this is the perfect place to start.

Key takeaways:

• An overview of the Enterprise Challenge competition and application process

• Information on eligibility, timelines and key milestones

• Insights from a previous Enterprise Challenge winner

• Practical guidance on developing and strengthening your business idea

• An understanding of the support, mentoring and resources available

• Inspiration and confidence to take your idea to the next stage

This event is ideal for all students, whether you are curious about what it takes to develop a viable business or freelance practice, or already have a business idea or proof of concept that you would like to explore further.

From generating and testing ideas to understanding the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, participants will gain valuable insights, skills, and confidence to take their next steps.

Speakers

Frances Odell, Head of Graduate Futures Consultants: Frances is a results-oriented accredited chartered Business Consultant with over 35 years of professional experience working with large corporates, SMEs and start - up businesses across the Fashion Industry. She is an accredited Business Coach and Senior Fellow. Her focus has been applying both her product and service development expertise along with strategic market analysis and positioning, supporting companies spot business opportunities.

Mirela Barbosa, Graduate FuturesEnterprise consultant:Mirela Barbosa is a mentor and consultant with over 20 years’ experience in the fashion and beauty industries. Her work combines research, strategy, and cultural aspects to help develop meaningful brands. She is also the founder of Project M, an emotional branding consultancy aimed at startups and mid-sized companies, launched after completing her MA in Fashion Entrepreneurship and Innovation at LCF.

Sean O'Brien: Motivated, responsible and detail-oriented individual with two Bachelors in Art Herstory at UCD and in Fashion PR and Communication the London College of Fashion (UAL) in London. As well as having a strong aesthetic sensibility and passion for creative social marketing, communication and worldwide connection in the arts, languages, fashion, cosmetic, travel, food and sustainability

Useful resources

In this webinar, you will develop the key skills of enterprise, communication, proactivity and storytelling as defined by the UAL Creative Attributes Framework (My_CAF). Before attending this activity, we suggest you:

• Check out our Enterprise Challenge Padlet