EnterpriseSTART Programme

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EnterpriseSTART Programme

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Entrepreneurs abound

Encouraging and supporting entrepreneurs and new businesses is a major priority for Enterprise Ireland. In this regard, Enterprise Ireland and FÁS have developed the The EnterpriseSTART Programme to help potential entrepreneurs to develop their new business ideas into business plans.

Who should participate

The programme is aimed at individuals with new business ideas in technology or knowledge intensive sectors, that are capable of achieving export sales.

Timing

EnterpriseStart is run out of office hours, in a series of 12 sessions, over 6 consecutive weekends. It provides potential entrepreneurs with information on what is involved in running a new business, as well as a realistic market perspective on creating a sustainable enterprise.

Presenters

EnterpriseSTART is delivered by business people and entrepreneurs who have specific expertise in starting and developing successful businesses.

Your Business Plan

At the end of each EnterpriseSTART programme, participants have the opportunity of presenting their business plans to representatives of Enterprise Ireland, FÁS and the County Enterprise Boards. This gives the entrepreneurs a unique opportunity to receive immediate feedback, support and advice on how to further their business idea.

Participants who complete a business plan can also avail of one-to-one mentoring as well as receiving a Certificate from the Institute of Leadership Management.

Cost

The cost of participating in the EnterpriseStart programme is heavily subsidised (70%). So the cost to the participant is €275.

Places on this programme are limited so early registration is advised.

Preference will be given to candidates with third level qualifications and management experience and with an aspiration to start their own knowledge intensive business with export potential. Selection will be on a first come first served basis thereafter.

Previous participants

Now in its third year, over 200 potential entrepreneurs have gone through 16 programmes in 10 regional locations. A number of the participants on the earlier programmes are now running successful businesses.

Other participants have gone onto participate in Enterprise Ireland sponsored Enterprise Platform Programmes which are one year rapid incubation programmes run in Institutes of Technology around Ireland.