Welcoming a new initiative for encouraging entrepreneurship in the region in the current difficult climate, the new Roscommon county manager, Frank Dawson, recently launched theCube - a new desk-space facility in Roscommon, aimed at supporting new entrepreneurs with business ideas that they wish to develop.
The new facility incorporates desk space with telephone and broadband connectivity in a professional office environment, along with entrepreneurial training space, and is located at Roscommon Business Park in Roscommon town. Developed and managed by WESTBIC, theCube is supported by Roscommon County Enterprise Board and Roscommon County Council and offers would-be entrepreneurs easy access to office space and support services without the overheads or commitment to a long-term lease.
Speaking at the launch, regional manager for WESTBIC, James Donlon, outlined the services available at the centre, including individual fully equipped desk spaces for new entrepreneurs within a shared office environment and access to a range of support services. These include secretarial support, meeting room, kitchenette facilities, a library of research information, as well as advice and mentoring services and linkages to other organisations that can provide valuable assistance in the development of their business ideas. James stressed the importance of these linkages and networking with other organisations, adding that “the cross-referral of enterprise clients among agencies will ensure that support for new enterprises can be maximised so that they have the best chance of success, particularly given the challenges that are faced in the current economic climate. Additionally, WESTBIC’s access to European markets through the European Business Innovation Centre Network can further add to the supports services available to new enterprises”.
The head of development of Athlone Institute of Technology and chairman of Roscommon County Enterprise Board, Dr Pat Mulhern, also praised the new facility. He said that the County Enterprise Board was delighted to support the project and wished it every success. He also said that a range of supports for enterprise were available through AIT and that he would endeavour to ensure that any training and development supports required for enterprise in Roscommon and for clients of the new desk-space facility may be facilitated through AIT where possible.
Addressing the invited guests from support agencies and potential new entrepreneurs, Frank Dawson praised the ongoing work being done to support enterprise in the county, particularly in the current challenging environment. He acknowledged the important role of WESTBIC and other agencies in encouraging and supporting enterprise throughout the region and the importance of support structures such as the new Cube facility to further assist new entrepreneurs wishing to locate in the area. Further details are available from WESTBIC at www.westbic.ie or on (090 ) 6625196.
