AIB and The Irish Times have collaborated to launch the AIB Start up Academy, a new initiative to support entrepreneurs across Ireland. AIB and The Irish Times are working together to build a nationwide community of entrepreneurs from all sectors and with all levels of experience.
Roz Martin, founder and CEO of MedColl will speak on the night alongside Athlone start-up companies who will pitch for investment at the event. Other successful and experienced entrepreneurs will be on hand at each event to share their stories and to network with attendees.
The next start-up night will be coming to the the Radison Blu on Thursday June 26 at 6pm. Entrepreneurs seeking inspiration and start-up companies looking for investment can register for tickets at www.irishtimes.com/aibstartupacademy
Running from April to October the series of start-up nights will draw together a mix of entrepreneurs, mentors and investors at gatherings in cities and towns across the country. These events are for start-ups from all backgrounds and at all stages, including those who are considering starting up a new venture for the first time.
Later in the year participants will be able to win places on the AIB Start up Academy programme, which will begin in early 2015. The programme will provide support for their early stage businesses from The Irish Times and from AIB in the form of mentoring and coaching for finalists.
Mark Fitzharris, regional director of the Mid West Region welcomed the AIB Start up Academy to Athlone, “AIB understands that entrepreneurship is vital to the Irish economy. The AIB Start up Academy will play a significant role in our ongoing work to foster and cultivate entrepreneurship across the country. We are delighted to be working with The Irish Times on this project to support entrepreneurs across Ireland.”
The AIB Start up Academy builds on the success of The Irish Times’ previous programmes with start-ups. Speaking about this new initiative Liam Kavanagh, chief executive of The Irish Times, said “Over the years The Irish Times has sought to develop meaningful ways to encourage and assist individuals who are seeking to set up their own business. By collaborating with AIB, start-ups will benefit from our combined expertise and experience to help them along their journey.”
