If you've been thinking about starting a new business but are not sure where to go next, perhaps you'd consider looking at the M50 Enterprise Start Programme run by the LINC (Learning and Innovation Centre) at Institute of Technology Blanchardstown.
The 6 week program promises to help you work through the steps required to start a business while also giving you the support and advice which will help you decide how to develop your business idea.

For more information please contact Claire Quigley on 01 8851502

Labels: Entrepreneurship, Recession

Eibhlin Curley of Dublin City Enterprise Board is at it again, starting and encouraging networks for businesses to develop and prosper.
CreativeD was developed by Dublin City Council, Dublin City and County Enterprise Boards and The Digital Hub.
This network-based programme specifically designed for the creative industries is said to be the first of its kind in Dublin. Its aim is to define, develop and promote creative businesses and to ensure that individually and collectively the creative industries become a significant force in our new economy.
Meetings, Workshops, Networking events, Online forums, Seminars and Skills development sessions are promised with the first event kicking off on 20th October 2009, coinciding with Dublin Innovation Week. You can book a place for this event and/or think about joining the network. The annual subscription to the programme is 100 euros.
Closing date for receipt of applications for the complete programme is: Friday 2nd October 2009. For further information phone (01) 4293600 or visit the website.

Labels: Entrepreneurship, Out and About, Smart Work

An Employment Subsidy Scheme (Temporary) has been launched aimed at helping vulnerable yet viable companies to retain employment levels and their skill base over the next fifteen months.
E250 million has been allocated to the scheme to provide for a tapering subsidy of up to 9,100 per supported employee over 15 months. The scheme is tailored to help those companies in internationally traded goods and services sectors, which employ ten or more full time employees and export at least 30% of their turnover, to retain their employment levels.
The scheme provides a maximum subsidy of €9,100 payable over five periods of 13 weeks as follows:

e200 per week in period 1: 24 August to 22 November 2009

e200 per week in period 2: 23 November to 21 February 2010

e150 per week in period 3: 22 February to 23 May 2010

e100 per week in period 4: 24 May to 22 August 2010

e50 per week in period 5: 3 August to 21 November 2010

The closing date for application is 4 September 2009 and the first payments under the scheme will be effective from 24 August. There are a few terms and conditions, for more information, visit the site and apply direct.

Labels: Entrepreneurship, Flexible Recruitment, Smart Work

Came across this via Isabel Barros, one of my followers on twitter.
To mark their 20th anniversary, Wexford Enterprise Centre have launched 20/20 Visionary search 2009 - an innovative and very appealing competition for start-up companies who have not commenced trading prior to today June 29th 2009. The prize comprises of cash, office space, mentoring, web design, accounting services, insurance, technology services and radio advertising. The deadline for receipt of application forms is July 31st with finalists having to submit a business plan on September 18th. Really worth a shot, applying for this if you've just launched or about to start a new business in Wexford.

Labels: Entrepreneurship

Heard about the 5 minute marketing event organised by Irish Women in Business via Tara's post on IGOpeople. Reach target audiences, recieve feedback on your performance, make new contacts and reach more customers is what's billed on the schedule so if it delivers even half of that you'll be on to a winner given that it's one of many free seminars available to members, a snip at only 50 euro for annual membership.

Where: Bank of Ireland, Tallaght
When: Wednesday 24th June 2009
Time: 4.30pm to 6.30pm

They're also holding a draw on the evening for IWIB members. Select Digital Print have offered a Starter Pack Stationery Set comprising of business cards, comp slips, letterheads worth €300 to one lucky member who participates and is creative with their 5 Minute Marketing pitch OR vouchers/flyers/postcards for your business.

Labels: Entrepreneurship, Flexitimers, Out and About, Social Media

In my opinion (and having been involved in two small businesses and sold to many more), owner/managers of small businesses are typically optimistic, hard working and smart. But they also neglect networking opportunities (but are very good and them when they go) and they neglect to celebrate the success they do have. I'd like to promote the first European SME Week which takes place from May 6th to 14th 2009.

Organised by the European Commission the aim of the week is to promote entrepreneurship across Europe and to inform entrepreneurs about support available for them at European, national and local level. Find out more about SME Week here. One Irish event is being organised online by smallbusinesscan.com.

You never know what you are missing unless you come along. Networking is now more important than ever.

Labels: Entrepreneurship, Recession, SME