We’re celebrating World Entrepreneurs Day, and if you’re interested in entrepreneurship, Sussex is a great place to be!

Meet one of our student entrepreneurs - Senamile Sishi, and hear how the entrepreneurship programme at Sussex helped her start her sustainable African fashion business.

Want to find out more? 

Whether you are starting out on your own or want to develop your skillset, the entrepreneurship programme at Sussex is for everyone. Check out the entrepreneurship page on the Student Hub.

Video transcript

[Senamile talking to camera] Hi everyone. My name is Senamile Sishi, studying a Masters in Energy and Climate Policy at the University of Sussex.

I'm part of the Entrepreneurship Programme. My idea is a sustainable African fashion brand that produces quality African fashion using premium hemp fabric and responsibly sourced cotton.

We use cutting edge technologies such as waterless dyes to ensure sustainability and we bring sustainability back in fashion.

I have received a lot of support from the University of Sussex Entrepreneurship Team.

Firstly, the Ideas Lab workshops were very helpful. They highlighted the fundamentals that you need to think about before starting a business.

Secondly, I had the opportunity to meet one-on-one with one of the entrepreneurs-in-residence. This helped me refine my idea and deal with specific issues that I was facing, guided by an experienced entrepreneur.

There were also a few guiding documents that assisted me wiwith the thinking process, such as the twenty-minute business plan.

The African fashion industry is amongst the most polluting industries in Africa, contributing to approximately 10% of emissions and about 20% of waste water production.

My startup seeks to drastically reduce the carbon footprint of fashion manufacturing, and water utilisation. This contributes to SDG 1, 6, 7, 11, 12 and 13.

I've also gained several skills through this program, including business management, communication skills, strategic thinking and planning skills, leadership and networking skills only to name a few. I can include these in my CV and improve my candidacy when applying for jobs.

I've also created a lot of meaningful connections with like-minded people, and this program has significantly built my confidence.

To prospective students thinking about getting involved in the Entrepreneurship Programme at Sussex. I definitely say go for it. You have nothing to lose, and absolutely everything to gain.