Enterprise Ireland
Annual Report and Accounts 2005
Annual Report and Accounts 2005
Encouraging and supporting entrepreneurs and businesses along all stages of the business development process is at the heart of Enterprise Ireland’s strategy to ensure that prosperity is realised throughout Ireland.
In 2005, Enterprise Ireland and FÁS launched the EnterpriseSTART programme to give potential entrepreneurs a realistic market perspective on what is involved in creating a competitive and sustainable enterprise. This initiative is aimed at people who are considering starting their own business in a technology or knowledge intensive area with export potential.
EnterpriseSTART, which is delivered over six weekends, provides an opportunity for participants to explore the practical issues involved in launching and running a business. The programme is delivered by business people and entrepreneurs who have specific expertise in starting and developing successful businesses. The content is designed to help participants make decisions regarding the feasibility of their business idea and covers a wide range of topics including: how to build a sustainable competitive advantage; strategy development and implementation; business planning; and raising finance.
Participants can avail of one-to-one mentoring and are exposed to the expertise, knowledge and connections that Enterprise Ireland will make available to them once they actually start their business.
Tomas Teevan, who completed the EnterpriseSTART programme in Dundalk, says:
“I learned a huge amount about how a successful business is run - from marketing to managing staff, dealing with bankers, financing and cash flow analysis.”
Seventy participants completed EnterpriseSTART in 2005 and further programmes will take place countrywide during 2006.
