4th January 2008

LIT launch new programme to assist Enterprising Starters  

The Enterprise Acceleration Centre is delighted to announce the introduction to the Mid West of a new start your business programme catering for those who are thinking of establishing a knowledge led business during 2008.

“The EnterpriseSTART Programme has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs around Ireland to develop their new business ideas into business plans and LIT is delighted to introduce this innovative programme to the Mid-West. The programme which was developed nationally by Enterprise Ireland and FÁS is specifically focused on entrepreneurs who have scientific or technology based ideas with international potential. It 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 will run over consecutive weekends in the boardroom of the Enterprise Acceleration Centre. Each module comprises of 2 sessions of 3 hours held on the Friday evening and the following Saturday morning thereby catering for people who are currently in full time employment. Limerick Institute of Technology would like to acknowledge the generous financial backing of both Enterprise Ireland and AIB who are jointly sponsoring EnterpriseSTART. Their support means that the programme is being offered to participants for €275 including all programme materials. The programme will commence on Friday 18th January and anyone interested in finding out more should go to our website @ www.eac.ie Places on this programme are limited so early registration is advised.”

Mr Hughes added that 2007 was a fantastic year for the Enterprise Acceleration Centre and that 2008 promises to be equally busy for the Centre and its clients. Paying tribute to Enterprise Ireland, the Enterprise Boards, the Banks, Solicitors and financial and business advisors and trainers for their support, he declared that the Mid West region is a fantastic location from which to set up and manage a business. Limerick Institute of Technology will continue to play its part in the development of indigenous start-ups as part of it proactive interaction with industry in the region.

“After 18 months in operation, the Centre has a strong portfolio of client companies who employ over 30 people directly and we have the capacity to allow these to grow and also to take in new clients in 2008. Start-ups have to deal with a myriad of issues to include: developing contacts; hiring staff; winning customers; product development and raising finance and the EAC is ideally suited to work with new venture promoters to tackle these issues constructively. Our clients also directly benefit from their on-campus location as LIT has a proactive approach to working with industry in the region. Clients are now working closely with the Institute across a number of departments on projects to include Consultancy, Training, Research, Development and Technology Transfer while graduate recruitment and student placement are other mutually beneficial resources for the Centre’s clients, LIT and students.”