A Newcastle Business School (NBS) student has been selected to take part in a ground-breaking Entrepreneurial scholarship scheme that will see her study in the United States.
Karen Reynolds, from Blakelaw, Newcastle is a student at NBS and is one of only 40 Entrepreneurial students selected from across the UK to spend ten days studying at the Babson College in Boston, Massachusetts. It is widely regarded as one of the best centres for entrepreneurial development in the United States.
Karen, a mum of two who owns her own alternative jewellery and fashion accessory business - 'Kazbat's Den' on Westgate Road, Newcastle, will be heading across the pond in October and is understandably excited about the trip.
She said: "The entrepreneurial course at NBS has taught me so many things about good business practice, but never in a million years did I think I'd end the course on a scholarship at Babson. It's an amazing opportunity for me."
The 46 year old added: "I hope I'll be able to learn even more to bring back with me and apply to Kazbat's Den."
NBS is just one of two business schools in the UK selected to take part in the New Entrepreneur Transatlantic Scholarship, a scheme sponsored directly by HM Treasury to encourage those from less advantageous backgrounds to set up in business.
Peter Short is a senior lecturer at NBS and leader of the New Enterprise Scholarship scheme that Karen has just completed at the School. The part-time business development programme is geared specifically to those wanting to start and manage their own business. The national scheme is funded by the National Learning and Skills Council and managed in the North East by ENTRUST, working alongside Northumbria University.
Peter Short said: "The selection process has been very stringent and Karen has had to prove herself to a very tough jury - including myself. She's impressed everyone with her attitude and willingness to make her business a success and she fully deserves her place on the scholarship. It will be an amazing experience for her."
Peter also has something to celebrate having recently been selected as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts for his work in encouraging entrepreneurship, especially with those from disadvantaged areas.
"In the six years we have run the New Entrepreneurs Scholarship scheme, it's been a real pleasure to witness so many people from less well-off backgrounds be inspired by their time at the Business School to go on and excel in their business ventures." Said Peter.
"We have had some great success stories come through our entrepreneurial business programmes here and I'm confident that Karen will become another."
One of Peter's previous success stories was Gordon Fitch who set up the award-winning Black Hawk Hearse Company, a specialist company for bike-lovers wishing to give their departed loved ones an alternative send off.
Jane Turner, Associate Dean, Executive Development of NBS with student Karen Reynolds outside Kazbat's Den
on Westgate Road.
Date Posted: 21.8.06