Modelled on the successful initiative at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the Business Forum has helped many of Scotland's most successful young companies get off the ground.
It is often the first chance that local start up companies have to present themselves to the business community, and presenters frequently comment that they have received the specific advice or introductions they need at these events.
At each evening meeting, two companies are given the opportunity to make presentations about their business and its challenges to an audience of business people, professional advisers, and financial experts, who then give their comments and advice. Many of these companies have gone on to become well known names, and the founders of many of these successful companies return to the Forum to offer their expertise to the next generation of fledgling businesses. As well as providing a showcase of young companies, and a chance to discuss a range of practical business issues, the Business Forum meetings have also become popular networking fixtures.
Quotes from presenters:
"You could not afford to pay for the quality of advice that was given to us after our presentation".
"My initial thoughts were.........here's a bunch of suits!!!! Wow was I wrong - the quality of feedback was first class"