The Enterprise Platform Programme run by the Institutes of Technology is a one-year rapid incubation programme designed to provide hands-on support and management development for entrepreneurs who wish to start their own business.
To achieve this, the programme will provide an appropriate balance of formal education, training, personal development, counselling, business mentoring and business guidance to provide the participants with the skills necessary to develop a business idea to a sufficient stage of development to be launched or, in the case of businesses which have recently commenced trading, to strengthen their market and trading position.
Participants should have a well thought out innovative business idea /technology that has the potential to be transformed into a HPSU company with export potential. Ideally participants will have a 3rd level qualification and a level of practical experience gained from working in a relevant professional environment.
Programme Features
- A one-year full-time professional training and enterprise support programme aimed at the needs of entrepreneurs in a business start-up situation.
- Access to the training and consultancy services of the partner organisations.
- A support network of mentors.
- Access to resources including incubation units, pilot plant and meeting facilities
- One to one business counselling.
- The possibility of additional support from Enterprise Ireland under the CORD Business Development Fund (total package of 50% of verifiable (P60/P45) salary up to a maximum €30,000 for one year, if you are leaving full-time employment and have an eligible business concept to assist your business in its first year. CORD is an EI category 1 support measure.
- Each eligible participant is assigned a personal mentor under E.I.'s Mentor programme.
- In order to qualify for CORD Funding you must first be accepted onto an Enterprise Platform Programme and a further interview is carried by Enterprise Ireland with regard to eligibility for EI CORD Funding.
For further information contact your local Enterprise Ireland Office .