World Donut Day: Anthony Polanowski

Posted on: 7 June 2024 by Anthony Polanowski in 2024

To celebrate World Donut Day on 7 June, we are highlighting Anthony Polanowski (Business Management Class of 2023 graduate) who started his donut business during lockdown as a student and since then, has gone from strength to strength.

“I started my business during the first lock-down from my mum’s kitchen. At first, it was simply a novelty as to whether I could create a decent looking donut. – and after several failed attempts, I eventually mastered the technique. After some encourage from friends and family, I posted a few pictures on social media and people were instantly interested and placed orders. As a student with a part-time job, it was difficult to find the balance of education, employment and now fulfilling customers’ orders which kept growing.

I reached out to Alison Pountney, Start-up and Entrepreneurship Consultant within the University who immediately showed enthusiasm and introduced me to various schemes and offered guidance and support. The University enabled me to pitch for Design Your Future which has helped accelerate and strengthen my business through some funding. I have also been lucky enough to join LCR Founders which has enabled me to network and be around like-minded people within a safe and fun environment. I also volunteer as a guest speaker on panel events and interact with students and graduates regularly, to talk to them and show them that anything is possible if you never give up.

While my Decent Donuts shop gained popularity, I recognized the potential for expansion. With the help from the University’s Start-up Team, I was able to trade on campus on many occasions including the Part-Time Jobs Fair and the Employability Day. Through this opportunity I was able to take our sweet treats directly to my fellow students on campus.

With a vision of becoming the go-to caterer for university events, I expanded my offerings to include a diverse range of catering services. We provide options for everything from casual gatherings to formal events. I started with little experience, no financial backing and was able to create a successful business.”

The University has not only provided me with so many opportunities but also a support network and an environment filled with other inspiring and entrepreneurial students, something that I am forever grateful for.

If you are a graduate who is looking to start a new enterprise or build entrepreneurial skills to be used in employment, the Careers and Employability team can help you along the way. You can find out more about what enterprise is, how to set up a business or pitch an idea, hear from inspiring speakers at our enterprise programmes and careers events, and be on the lookout for enterprise competitions and challenges to help you turn your ideas into reality.

**Blog taken from the Careers and Employability Website