Finding new collaborators and mentors at StartUp Buckinghamshire

Back in April, Enterprise Nation and Buckinghamshire Council joined forces to launch StartUp Buckinghamshire, a programme of support and investment to help the county's entrepreneurs succeed in 2024.

Aided by youth charity Launch It, the partners have spent the last few months helping to power up a generation of talented self-starters who are bursting with enterprising ideas.

A key part of the programme was a 12-week bootcamp aimed at supporting the county's growing number of young entrepreneurs. We're catching up with business owners who have been through the bootcamp to find out what they've learned.

Serena Marija is the founder and director of Sanctuary of Creation, a pioneering new media art lab that launched in 2023. Here, Serena tells us how taking part in the StartUp Buckinghamshire bootcamp has helped her expand her network of collaborators and mentors.

Tell us how your business idea came about.

After a decade-long tenure working in the creative sector, I returned to studies in 2020. I used my study time to get clear on my vision for the future, and began to experiment with tech-centric art creation and its ability to impact the human mind, body and spirit.

This led me to explore the impact of art fused with technology and how it can create a plethora of solutions when backed by rigorous scientific enquiry. So what started as a creative production company has now become a virtual R&I new media art lab.

What challenges were you facing before you found the StartUp Buckinghamshire bootcamp?

The lack of financial resources, support platforms and the ability to build a strong business network locally.

What made you think the bootcamp was the way to tackle those challenges?

The bootcamp was advertised on social media. I decided to conduct more research and felt a strong pull towards being open to exploring the programme and where it might lead. I was positively surprised.

How has the support from the bootcamp benefited your business so far?

It's been extremely beneficial. Karen, Sarah, Cliff and Henry have been incredibly supportive in every sense. I've gained new collaborators, a new network, the best mentors and pitch coach, support through external resources and focused support and recommendations.

What's the best advice you've received from the bootcamp?

To avoid self-rejecting and to be practical with the theoretical advice given. Also, to find a way to continue to develop projects without overthinking in terms of the lack of financial resources and so on.

Finally, what's your one piece of advice for the aspiring entrepreneurs out there?

Everyone has a story to tell, and whether you translate that through products or services, there is an audience out there who will absolutely love your story and buy into it.

StartUp Buckinghamshire bootcamp

Join a free entrepreneurs' bootcamp and learn how to start or grow a business. Plus, you could win a £2,500 grant to move your start-up forward. Apply now