Enterprise Programme 2012
"Opportunity knocks for potential entrepreneurs!"
A national programme to develop entrepreneurs will commence in 2012. Funded by Enterprise Ireland, the programme will be delivered locally by GMIT in the Galway and Castlebar Innovation in Business Centres. Over an intensive 6 month period, participants will learn how to establish and run a new company. Qualifying entrepreneurs will receive €15,000 in funding subject to satisfactory development reviews.
If you believe that you are capable of building a new company, creating employment and generating revenue in your locality, act now and apply for a place on Ireland's largest entrepreneur development programme!
To receive further information e-mail a brief summary of your idea describing the problem you have identified, the solution you plan to create and the market opportunity for the product or service to tony.okelly@gmit.ie (Galway) or maria.staunton@gmit.ie (Castlebar) for further information.
Enterprise Programme 2011
14 knowledge intensive business ventures completed the Midlands and West Enterprise Programme (MWEP) in May 2011 with projects ranging from wireless automation to water management to anti-piracy software for gaming. The 2011 Midlands & West Enterprise Programme (MWEP) commenced in June in the Innovation in Business Centres in Castlebar and Galway. This is an eight month programme providing entrepreneurs with business skills, networks, facilities and supports necessary to navigate the business start-up process.
A further 11 new projects commenced the Enterprise Programme in June 2011 focusing on opportunities in the Healthcare, Information Technology, Education, Cloud Computing, Manufacturing & Bio-material markets.
Applicants should ideally have a number of years industry experience and have the enthusiasm and drive necessary to develop and grow a successful business. Participants may apply to Enterprise Ireland for CORD funding.
The MWEP provides participants with business acumen, concept desk space, mentoring, networking, facilities, and supports necessary to help them in establishing and running their own businesses. Participants should have a business idea with growth and export potential.
"These new start-up companies will form the foundation for the next generation of Irish enterprises," said Manager of the IiBC, George McCourt. "We are looking forward to supporting the next generation of innovative start-ups in the region through the new programme."
Thirteen high potential entrepreneurs are participating on the current MWEP. Products/services being developed include Innovative Medical Devices, Vehicle Telematics, Energy Solutions, Wireless Automation, Smart Business Directories, Water management, Reflexology products, NLP Digital media, Manufacturing software and Digital Rights Defense systems.
“Starting a new business is a very exciting time but there are many challenges to be addressed before you achieve success. The MWEP programme provided me with a structured approach through a series of modules presented by industry experts in areas like Market Research, Sources of Funding and Sales and Marketing. It also provided modern office facilities in a professional environment where you are working with other like-minded Entrepreneurs. An excellent environment for challenging and validating your business idea” Tommy Tyrrell, MD, www.Irelands-Directory.com
The MWEP may also be of interest to expatriates who are hoping to return home to set up their own business in the West of Ireland.
The Innovation in Business Centres will have a new programme in 2012 with all successful applicants receiving grant assistance, email tony.okelly@gmit.ie for further information.
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| MWEP 2011 |
Small Enterprise Programme 2011
The Small Enterprise Programme (2011) has commenced in GMIT’s Innovation in Business Centres (IiBC) Galway and Castlebar. The programme is run over four months running modules in market research and validation, sales, social media marketing, business plan & financials, as well as mentoring, dedicated desk space, admin support, networking opportunities and access to research capability in GMIT.
Guidelines for qualification onto the Small Enterprise Programme are:
--> Good concept or idea
--> Relevant experience of promoter
--> Potential to create 3+ jobs
--> Capability to export would be a distinct advantage
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| (L-R) The six Galway participants on the Small Enterprise Programme 2011 standing beside Tony O' Kelly (Manager SEP), Breda Fox (Chief Executive of Galway City & County Enterprise Board - sponsor) and George McCourt (Manager IiBC Galway) | (L-R) Some of the Mayo participants on the Small Enterprise Programme, included in the photo is Lorraine Toner (South West Mayo Development Company), Robert Grealis (Mentor) Brendan O'Shea (North East Mayo Partnership Company) and Maria Staunton (Manager of IiBC Mayo) |