Winter Start-Up Boot Camp 2024 – Empowering Entrepreneurs in Malaysia

Hosted by the University of Reading Malaysia in collaboration with Henley Business School, the Henley Winter Start-Up Boot Camp 2024 is a dynamic, hands-on workshop designed for aspiring entrepreneurs from local communities, including students, business professionals, and budding entrepreneurs.

This week-long program aims to empower participants by equipping them with essential skills and the confidence needed to launch and grow their businesses. Through engaging workshops, participants will learn sales-first strategies and innovative methods for minimal resource launches, effectively navigating the entrepreneurial landscape.

The Boot Camp is completely free, offering invaluable insights into building a successful business, from developing a business model to leveraging digital tools for marketing and sales.

The Boot Camp promotes local economic development, gender equality, and entrepreneurship, while strengthening partnerships between the University of Reading UK and Malaysia. This initiative is funded through the Research England ISPF ODA Institutional Support Grant 2024-25 and supported by the Henley Enterprise Lab.

Join us for an inspiring week dedicated to nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs!

Limited spaces available, please click here for registration.

Eligibility Criteria

Please note that this opportunity is open exclusively to Malaysian citizens proficient in English at O Level / SPM / or equivalent, as the Boot Camp is completely taught in English.

Daily Schedule

Day 1: Monday, 16 December 2024
Morning Session (10:00 – 12:30): Business Modelling

• Overview of Boot Camp Objectives, Schedule, and Participant Expectations
• Workshop on Business Modelling and Lean Startup Methodology
• Hands-on Exercise: Developing Your Business Model Canvas (BMC) and Minimum Viable Product (MVP)

Lunch (12:30 – 14:00)
Afternoon Session (14:00 – 16:00): Entrepreneurship Stories

• Roundtable with local entrepreneurs sharing their journeys
  Networking Event (16:00 – 17:00)
• Meet and connect with entrepreneurs and fellow participants

Day 2: Tuesday, 17 December 2024
Morning Session (10:00 – 12:30): Marketing and Sales Fundamentals

• Workshop on Traditional Marketing Strategies for Start-Ups
• Sales-First Approach for Start-Ups

Lunch (12:30 – 14:00)
Afternoon Session (14:00 – 16:00): Entrepreneurship Stories

• Roundtable with local entrepreneurs discussing sales and customer acquisition
  Mentoring and Feedback (16:00 – 17:00)
• Participants receive feedback on their marketing and sales strategies

Day 3: Wednesday, 18 December 2024
Morning Session (10:00 – 12:30): Digital Marketing in Practice

• Designing and Building a Website for Start-Ups

Lunch (12:30 – 14:00)
Afternoon Session (14:00 – 16:00): Digital Marketing Campaigns

• Online Presence and Social Media Strategy

Day 4: Thursday, 19 December 2024
Morning Session (10:00 – 12:30): Funding and Legal Considerations

• Workshop on Funding and Finance for Start-Ups
• Legal Considerations for Start-Up

Lunch (12:30 – 14:00)
Optional Study Visit (14:00 – 16:30)

• Visit to a Local Incubator

Day 5: Friday, 20 December 2024
Final Panel Discussion (10:00 – 13:00)

• The Future of the Malaysian Entrepreneurial Ecosystem: featuring industry experts, entrepreneurs, and government representatives

Application Process

Register Now!
Applications to register your interest in attending the Boot Camp are now open. To apply for a place, please register here.

Due to limited spaces, applicants are required to submit a supporting statement explaining their motivation for attending and the business idea they aim to develop in 100 words or less. You will be notified by December 2^nd, 2024, regarding the outcome of your application.

Program Leadership

The Boot Camp is led by:

• Dr Matteo Borghi: A Lecturer in Entrepreneurship at Henley Business School, Dr Borghi specializes in digital business modelling and the integration of Industry 4.0 technologies, such as robotics and artificial intelligence, into practical business applications.
• Mr Chin: Chartered Surveyor with over 36 years of experience in real estate business, covering real estate development, asset management and education, Mr Chin brings extensive expertise in strategic marketing and economic development, uniquely positioning him to lead marketing initiatives for this project in Malaysia.

Commitment to Inclusivity

The Winter Start-Up Boot Camp is offered free of charge to all participants, ensuring that individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds have equal access to valuable entrepreneurial training. Your personal information will be shared solely with Henley Business School and the University of Reading Malaysia for the purpose of running this event.

Contact Information

For any questions or further information, please contact Dr Matteo Borghi at m.borghi4@henley.ac.uk or Mr KL Chin at kl.chin@henley.edu.my.

Join us in fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in Malaysia!