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Students, staff and the wider community are set to benefit from an in-house crowdfunding coach as Plymouth University welcomes its first Crowdfunder in Residence’.

Believed to be the world's first Crowdfunder in Residence, Plymouth University graduate, Heather Forster has been employed by Crowdfunder, to stimulate enterprise in the Faculties, Students Union, Alumni and societies around the UK's leading Enterprise University, Plymouth.

The Crowdfunder in Residence will offer a programme of monthly workshops, one-to-one sessions and online tutorials designed to encourage students and the wider community across from across the city to engage.

Heather Forster said:

"Crowdfunding is an extraordinary way for students, staff, academics, in fact anyone with a great idea to turn them into reality. In the workshops we explain the process how you make a video, write an ‘elevator’ pitch, obtain rewards that people want to buy and then drive people to the site so they can pledge and give their support. We give you all the knowledge you need to create a successful campaign. The scope for using Crowdfunding throughout the University is endless - everything from funding research, rugby kit or business start-ups."

The initiative is part of the strategic relationship between Crowdfunder and Plymouth University. The University is one of the founding partners of Crowdfunder and together they have developed opportunities for students to raise funding for new projects and ideas, as well as have access to placements and work experience opportunities.

Heather Forster, Crowdfunder-in-Residence
"Crowdfunding is an extraordinary way for students, staff, academics, in fact anyone with a great idea to turn it into reality."
Heather Forster
Heather Forster, Crowdfunder-in-Residence

Julian Beer, Plymouth University Professor and Pro Vice-Chancellor said: 

“As founding partner of Crowdfunder, this role is set to strengthen our partnership, linking closely with our ambitions to see continued leading edge entrepreneurial support and adding to the city’s business portfolio. It will bring opportunities right to the doorstep of potential start-ups as well as already established companies. We are delighted to welcome Heather onboard.”

Phil Geraghty, Managing Director of Crowdfunder, said:

"We have been working with Plymouth University for nearly three years and we can see what opportunities crowdfunding offers to Universities, enhancing the whole student experience at Plymouth and building a culture of enterprise. This is a truly innovative way for universities and students to engage with crowdfunding. We are very excited to be working with Plymouth University."