The EAC is currently putting together a plan to run its next EnterpriseSTART programme in January/February 2010.

EntepriseSTART is a start your business programme for entrepreneurs developed by Enterprise Ireland and FAS nationally and delivered locally by approved organisations. The programme is delivered over 6 weeks, 12 sessions of 3 hours on Friday evening and Saturday mornings. The programme can cater for between 15 to 20 people. Teams are welcome. The cost per person is €275.

EAC EnterpriseSTART consists of 12 interactive workshops delivered by leading experts based in the Mid-West region in the field of technology, marketing, finance and business start-up. The 6 module programme is run over consecutive weekends in the boardroom of the Enterprise Acceleration Centre. Each module comprises of 2 sessions held on the Friday evening (3 hours) and the following Saturday morning (3 hours).

- to download the October 2008 EAC EnterpriseSTART brochure with details of speakers, topics and other arrangements .... brochure for 2009 is being finalised.

- to download application for EAC EnterpriseSTART

- to download a Training Needs Analysis (TNA) which is for your personal use and will help you to decide if EnterpriseSTART is for you.

What our particpants say:

The participants were extremely happy with the 2nd EnterpriseSTART programme delivered during October and November 2008. All 20 participants completed and submitted the End of Programme evaluation – 16 gave 5 out of 5 for overall satisfaction with the remainder rating their overall satisfaction with the programme at 4 out of 5. Everyone indicated that they would recommend the programme to other start up entrepreneurs. Here are a few comments:

Recommend??? I’d say its essential for anyone who has no prior experience of starting a business. The education alone in the practicalities of starting a business makes the course worthwhile, but invaluable is the insight it has given me in my own business. In addition the contacts made and the inspiration gained from the case studies has been amazing.

John Daly, Fluid Analysis

Its an excellent programme for start-ups. Brings the focus of the market and cash flow which is very important.

Luke Curley, Edware Interactive Learning

The program was a great help in getting me to focus on the critical steps in commercialising our research. The program explored plenty of interesting topics (at a high level). I think for some people in UL undergoing Proof of Concept, Commercialisation and C+ projects should be encouraged to take this course. Click here to view my blog on all the sessions.  

Ronan Skehill, Cauwill Technologies

And finally a comment from a participant on our first programme of 2008 who subsequently joined the LEAP 2008 programme:

Is this your first time considering starting a business? If so then I strongly recommend you participate in the EnterpriseSTART programme. No matter how much you think you know about business, you will learn something new and important. You will be exposed to the fundamental activities required to develop your idea and to bring it to market. You will be exposed to the practical experiences of entrepreneurs who will personally elaborate on the many challenges they had to overcome to achieve success.  As well as providing you with the opportunity to network with others of like mind, the programme includes exercises that will help you to determine if your business idea has merit. Most importantly, it will allow you to assess your determination to pursue the idea and develop a strong business from it.

John Twomey, Emutex