Agri-EPI Centre’s Midlands Agri-Tech Innovation Hub in Newport, Shropshire, is buzzing with activity as it fosters a thriving start-up community. Equipped with state-of-the-art engineering and agri-tech incubation facilities, the hub is the ideal place for innovators with great ideas to learn new skills and grow their businesses.
In an exciting development, Harper Adams University has partnered with the Agri-EPI Centre to launch a new initiative called Sustaining Shropshire. This project aims to provide free expert support to entrepreneurs, pre-trade, and start-up agri-tech and agri-food businesses in Shropshire. The initiative is funded by the Shropshire Council through the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund and will run until March 2025.
As part of Sustaining Shropshire, Agri-EPI Centre will deliver an eight-week structured start-up program at its Midlands Agri-Tech Hub. This program is designed to equip entrepreneurs with the essential skills and knowledge needed to develop and refine their business plans. It covers various aspects, including creating a robust business plan, defining the vision and mission, developing a unique selling point (USP), understanding customers and competitors, and conducting market analysis and positioning.
The start-up support program will be delivered in three eight-week sessions, with the first one commencing on January 17th, 2024. It will be facilitated by a combination of Agri-EPI Centre specialists and industry experts who have a deep understanding of the local and national agri-food supply chain and farming landscape. The project aims to support a minimum of 30 individuals, subject to eligibility criteria, providing them with the knowledge and confidence to take the next step in running their own businesses.
Participants in the support program will also have access to the newly opened Innovation Barn, a dedicated hot desk and break-out incubation space located at the Midlands Agri-Tech Innovation Hub. The Innovation Barn offers a structured working environment for entrepreneurs and start-ups, providing access to meeting pods, internet facilities, meeting rooms, and networking opportunities. Participants will have access to the Innovation Barn for six months, starting from the program’s start date, with a £10 daily charge thereafter.
Rose Judeh-Elwell, Agri-EPI Centre’s Business Development Director, expressed her delight in being part of this project that utilizes their agri-tech incubation facilities and the recently opened Innovation Barn. With an already thriving ecosystem, Agri-EPI Centre is excited to support both entrepreneurs and established companies on their journey towards accelerating innovation and growth.
If you are interested in learning more about the Innovation Barn or registering for the support program, you can visit the Agri-EPI Centre website at https://agri-epicentre.com/innovationbarn/.
This initiative is a significant boost for the agri-tech and agri-food start-up community in Shropshire. By providing free expert support and access to state-of-the-art facilities, it creates an environment conducive to innovation and growth. With the backing of the Shropshire Council and the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, Sustaining Shropshire is poised to make a positive impact on the local economy and contribute to the overall development of the agri-tech sector.
