Freelance 101

A peek at the week ahead

Monday, 18 May 2026

• Morning: All About You
  Learn what freelancing is all about, decide on the type of freelancer you want to be.
• Afternoon: All About your Branding
  Map out what you offer and what sets you apart, learn how to tell your story and start brainstorming ideas for your tagline, and overall identity and build an online portfolio and social media presence. 

Tuesday, 19 May 2026

• Morning: All About your Customer
  Find out who your customers are, how to reach out to them. Experiment with your ideas in a supportive environment and gather feedback to fine-tune your service and pricing strategy. 
• Afternoon: All About your Market
  Visit BiPC for an immersive session on exploring your market, competitors and support available. Also, this is your chance to have your professional photo taken. 

Wednesday, 20 May 2026

• Morning: All about your Finance
  Get advice on managing your finances, dealing with costs, pricing and cash flow, and understanding the legal basics necessary for running your business.
• Afternoon: All about your Look
  Design your own logo and merchandise, discover why a solid online portfolio matters and get tips on setting up your profile on platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn. 

Thursday, 21 May 2026

• Morning: All about your Presentation
  Develop a concise, engaging pitch that explains your service and why you are the best choice. Learn practical tips for the day-to-day running of your freelance business, from managing clients to ensuring your finances are in order.
• Afternoon: All about your Goals
  Delve into your mindset and plan ahead what you want to achieve in tangible steps.

Friday, 22 May 2026

• Morning: All about your Pitch
  Meet with a mentor to review your progress and make final adjustments to your business setup.
• Afternoon: Live pitch and wrap-up (Demo day)
  Present your refined pitch live to peers, mentors, and guest reviewers during Demo Day, wrapping up your week of hard work with valuable feedback and a celebration of your progress.

Each day ends with a quick reflection to help you set your goals for the next session.

Invest in yourself

This course is all about boosting your freelance journey. You’ll gain practical, hands-on skills and the confidence to stand out in your field.

Stand out in a competitive field

Freelance 101 is designed for self-starters. By joining, you’re positioning yourself ahead of the crowd and showing that you’re committed to building a solid future.

Real benefits

• Personal branding: Create a look and feel that truly represents you.
• Practical know-how: Walk away with easy-to-apply strategies for working independently.
• Pricing strategy: We’ll help you set the right price for your services—ensuring you never undercharge and always get the value you deserve.
• Mentorship and connections: Build relationships with industry experts and like-minded peers.
• Funding opportunity: Win one of up to many prizes of £1,000 to help jumpstart your freelance work.

This is about you

We focus on your growth because when you succeed, it’s a win for you. This course is designed with your personal and professional needs in mind, ensuring you leave with the skills and confidence to succeed.

Extra resources

• Leverage premium databases provided by Oxford Brookes University such as Mintel, IBISWorld, and FAME to research market opportunities and effectively sell your services.
• We will also provide temporary access to the COBRA database (Complete Online Business Reference Adviser), an invaluable tool offering comprehensive business references, market reports, and competitor analysis to guide your business strategy.