Budding entrepreneurs will be provided with an extraordinary opportunity to test, develop and grow their business through the “Enterprise Acceleration Programme” commencing this month. The intensive programme, which provides entrepreneurs with a wide-range of training, mentoring and advice, over a four-month period, is funded by South West Mayo Development Company [LEADER] and operated through the Innovation in Business Centre [IiBC] at GMIT Castlebar.
Candidates are supported through a programme of tailored trainings, seminars, one-to-one advice and evaluation as well as an incubation centre to work out of – allowing for peer-support and interaction. Commenting on the launch of the programme, Lorraine Toner of SWMDC said: “This is a superb opportunity for entrepreneurs with an idea – early-stage or further along – given the intensive nature of the schedule. Every support imaginable for growing a business concept is available, and the environment is very helpful – often start-ups can feel isolated, so being surrounded by others in the same position really helps in business development.”
The Enterprise Acceleration Programme [EAP] is focused on specific objectives in setting up and testing the validity of your business. It features workshops and training on areas such as market validation, finance, planning, sales and marketing – plus more focused one-to-one sessions for individuals to ensure they are on the right track. Candidates’ progress is assessed on an ongoing basis to ensure they are making progress, and support is also provided to them through allocated business mentors, and the staff at the IiBC.
“The focus of this programme is to encourage and support entrepreneurs to explore and develop a viable business concept – and as with all our enterprise-centred projects – we hope to support successful candidates through our range of grant aids and supports - they’ve got plenty of homework to do though, and a strong business plan will be a must at the end of the course,” added Lorraine.
To find out more about joining the EAP course or the range of enterprise supports, grant-aids and mentoring available from SWMDC, visit www.soutmayo.com or call 098 41950.
