20th October 2009

LIT LAUNCH MARKETLINK

Enterprise Boards and Limerick Market Trustees collaborate with LIT to foster 3rd level entrepreneurship

Limerick Institute of Technology’s have launched a new programme for 3rd level students called MarketLink which offers a fantastic opportunity for participants to learn about and experience the real world of small business in Ireland. The new programme will assist students working in teams of five to manage a market stall in Limerick City on a Sunday on the 15th November.

“Limerick Institute of Technology is delighted to introduce this innovative programme which will foster the inherent entrepreneurial capabilities of our students,” according to Dr Maria Hinfelaar, President of LIT. “MarketLink is a new eight week multidisciplinary careers, innovation and entrepreneurship programme which is being offered by the Department of Business, Careers and the Enterprise Acceleration Centre. It consists of a series of six core workshops of three hours which provide participants with an overview and appreciation of the fundamentals of small business. The workshops focus on the importance and practicalities of Market Research, Sales and preparation of a business plan. LIT is very well placed to introduce this programme building on our expertise in managing an incubation facility on campus and delivering the LEAP programme for start-up entrepreneurs. A key ingredient of this programme is that successful local entrepreneurs and SME Managers will attend the workshops to meet, present and engage in a question and answer sessions with participants.”  

A Shannon Consortium initiative, MarketLink is supported by the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) and has secured matching financial support from the City and County Enterprise Boards in Clare and Limerick.  Limerick Market Trustees are a key external partner in the programme. The programme kicked off in early October, with 40 students studying courses to include Biotechnology, Software Development, Art & Design, Business & Finance, Marketing & Management and Construction Management undertaking the inaugural programme.

Referring to the importance of preparing 3rd level students for the world of work and helping them to explore the possibilities of starting a business, Mr Ned Toomey, CEO of Limerick County Enterprise Board said that entrepreneurial skills are required by all employers across all business sectors. He added:

“The Enterprise Boards in Clare and Limerick are delighted to work with Limerick Institute of Technology and Limerick Market Trustees on MarketLink. We see the programme as an ideal starting point for students who may have an interest in setting up their own business or working in a family business at some stage in the future. It will also be valuable for students with ambitions to work for small business in areas such as design, marketing, and accounting as the programme exposes participants to the full range of management challenges. What should be very beneficial is the opportunity afforded to students across Business, Science, Engineering, IT and Fashion to work with each other on planning and running a real business? MarketLink is a positive example of how the Enterprise Boards can work with the vibrant 3rd level education sector in the Mid-West to further enhance the employability of students with future benefits for Ireland Inc.”

Highlighting the huge interest in Limerick in the Markets, Mr Tony Scott, Project Manager, Limerick Market Trustees said that the Riverside Market on Bedford Row provides the ideal avenue for students to live a unique retail experience. He added:

“Limerick Market Trustees are also delighted to get actively involved in MarketLink. Since the programme commenced the Trustees have met the participants as part of their workshops to provide advice and guidance. The participants will have a short period of time to put a plan of action in place. It will be a fantastic learning opportunity as they decide on product range, pricing, operations and merchandising. We issue an open invitation to everyone in Limerick to meet all our Market Traders in the Riverside Market on Bedford Row every Sunday but especially on the 15th of November when the MarketLink participants will have their stalls. The Traders are gearing up for a very busy festive period and wish LIT and its students the very best in this programme and their studies.”