Growing up in Syria, Omran had always yearned to start a business. While studying for his Masters in Strategic Marketing Management he started to realise that Birmingham is a fantastic city for start-ups – the quality of life is high and the costs low compared to London. And crucially there is support available in the shape of BSEEN.
Omran enrolled on BSEEN in 2018, and soon launched his first company, Gladington, which connects Birmingham companies with marketing students who carry out live projects. The projects provide real value for businesses while developing student talent and confidence, often leading to a permanent graduate job. But Omran didn’t stop at that, armed with new skills, confidence and networks, he spotted another market opportunity and started his second business, Bloomup, which provides marketing services to graduate entrepreneurs.
It is the rich combination of BSEEN support that Omran believes provides the value. The bootcamp provides essential skills to launch a business but Omran’s view is that it is hugely important to take advantage of every BSEEN element.
“Having the BSEEN space is incredibly valuable, and also the network, mentoring and connections. It’s opened my eyes to new things going on around me and being part of BSEEN you will always be up to date and more confident. I know that I am not alone and there is someone I can go back to and ask for help”.
Aston University recognises Omran’s success and potential and has recently nominated him for the Santander Universities Entrepreneurship Awards. He also now delivers sessions at the BSEEN bootcamps and acts as a BSEEN mentor. What’s more, as a result of the exposure the project has given him, he has been invited to mentor for the University of Warwick. Omran added, “BSEEN gave me credibility so when I meet people from different backgrounds such as businesses and investors they know me and I know them and this means I can go further.”
Early inspiration for Omran came from wanting to help other students. Now he is not only doing that through his businesses but is also a partner in an exciting student-led initiative, the Birmingham Enterprise Community (BEC). BEC aims to unite change-makers across Birmingham, filling a gap between support such as BSEEN and commercial accelerators.
Omran’s vision is that in two years time he will be employing graduates from across Birmingham in his businesses while training and supporting future Birmingham entrepreneurs, helping them to grow their businesses and take them to the next level.