Six entrepreneurs complete GMIT Innovation Centre course

Author: Press Office

Date Article Written Monday 21 November 2011

Six entrepreneurs who are preparing to start their own business have completed an intensive business start-up support programme in the GMIT Innovation Centre, Galway. The business concepts range from mobile phone applications to study skills, natural cosmetics and environment products.

The four-month Small Enterprise Programme (SEP) is a joint initiative between GMIT's Innovation Centres and Galway City & County Enterprise Board.

Owners of the new businesses are Colm Murphy from Barna who empowers mobile phone owners to manage their call costs at www.network-id.com, Eileen Keary Gallagher from Moycullen who has developed a study skills programme for effective students at www.ustudysmart.com, Joanne Reilly from Kinvara who can simplify skincare needs with a range of gentle, organic products for sensitive skin available on www.kinvaraskincare.com,  Marguerite Tonery from Galway whose Transflow Proformance, www.transflow-pro.com, optimizes peak health and mental performance for sport and business, Morag Kelly from Athenry whose Green website and products www.greenieland.ie help children grow and learn, and Vinny Coyne from Galway who develops smart phone applications at www.appsandwich.com

Tony O’Kelly, Programme Manager, GMIT Innovation in Business Centre (IiBC), says a lot of people are looking to their own skills and talents and evaluating self-employment as a sustaining future. “The core element to starting a business is understanding the challenge, knowledge of the solution and research indicating market for product or service. There are fantastic supports available and we will be pleased to hear from anyone interested in starting one of our programmes here in the GMIT Innovation in Business Centres.”

This is the second group to complete the SEP programme in GMIT’s Innovation Centre at the Dublin Road campus. It is also offered at the GMIT Castlebar campus Innovation Centre.  Modules include market research & validation, sales, social media marketing, business planning & financials. The aim is to enable participants to progress their business idea/concept.

Guidelines for business development support from the Innovation Centre are: Good concept or idea with capability to export, relevant experience and potential to create three or more jobs. For further information see: http://www.gmit.ie/iibc/index.html