George: My Enterprise Experience

Posted on: 19 January 2026 in Enterprise

Pursuing enterprise alongside postgraduate study, George shares how he applied his interest in technology to support local businesses with digital tools. His journey highlights how students can use university resources, like the Enterprise Team, to turn ideas into real-world solutions—while gaining valuable skills and experience along the way.

My name is George, and I’m studying for a Master’s in International Business at the University of Liverpool. Alongside my studies, I founded a digital consulting service that helps local business owners build their online presence through social media strategy, and AI-powered tools. My goal is to make digital transformation accessible for people who might otherwise struggle with it, especially small business owners who keep our communities running but often get left behind by rapid technological change.

The idea came from seeing how many brilliant local entrepreneurs lacked the digital knowledge or confidence to bring their businesses online. I’ve always been interested in technology and problem-solving, and I realised I could use that to make a tangible difference. Rather than targeting big companies, I wanted to focus on local businesses, the cafés, retailers, and independent service providers who form the backbone of the community. Helping them improve their visibility and customer engagement felt meaningful and aligned with my studies in international business and innovation.

I first connected with the University’s Start-Up and Enterprise Team after attending one of their enterprise drop-in sessions. From the first conversation, I felt supported and encouraged to take my idea seriously. They helped me refine my concept, identify my strengths, and structure my business plan in a way that made sense. Through their guidance, I successfully applied for the Santander Bursary, which provided funding to develop my first website and start working with my first client. That early experience gave me confidence and clarity, two things every new entrepreneur needs.

The support from the Enterprise Team has been exceptional. They offered one-to-one mentoring, opportunities to network, and continuous feedback that helped me understand what makes a business sustainable. It wasn’t just advice; it was actionable support that helped me move from an idea on paper to a functioning business model. The sense of community they’ve built also made a huge difference—being surrounded by like-minded people who are ambitious, curious, and willing to share ideas has kept me motivated.

Of course, starting out came with challenges. Balancing my studies with learning the ins and outs of consulting wasn’t easy, and there were times when I doubted whether I could turn my vision into something real. But each small win, like completing my first client project and seeing the results it created for them, reminded me why I started. That feeling of helping someone grow their business through something I built is what keeps me going.

To any student or graduate thinking about starting something of their own, I’d say: don’t wait for the “perfect” moment. The University’s Enterprise Team is there to guide you, even if you’re starting from zero. Take that first step, use the support available, and trust that every challenge will shape you. Entrepreneurship isn’t just about business—it’s about growth, community, and learning to back yourself.

Read the full feature in the magazine here: https://fdd4381ab0b54b01bcbed836ed0b4f8c.elf.site