Castlebar - County Mayo - LEADER4Enterprise Programme

The LEADER4Enterprise programme was launched on 7th November. We were pleased with the turnout and we have had a significant interest in the programme. However we do have places remaining on the programme and we would appreciate your help. If you know of anyone with a new or existing business based in south or west Mayo you might be interested in availing of grant aid for a new project we hope you will pass on this information.

LEADER4Enterprise is a free 9-month support programme from South West Mayo Development Company for new and existing businesses in south and west Mayo. The programme aims to encourage and help eligible businesses to apply for grant aid under the LEADER Rural Development Programme.

LEADER4Enterprise participants will receive tailored support in business planning and grant applications. You will also have the opportunity to attend idea development and business planning workshops. One-to-one mentoring on topics such as sources of funding, market research, sales and marketing, branding, financial forecasting and business management, is also included.

The closing date for this particular LEADER4Enterprise programme is 30th Nov 2012 (Although applications for grant aid can be submitted any time up to Dec 2013). The LEADER4Enterprise programme is open to any new or existing business with a business or project idea which is eligible under the Rural Development Programme. You can find out more about this at South West Mayo Development Company's website.

We spent some time at the launch on 7th Nov addressing eligibility of projects. Some of the key points are:
- project / business must be in rural south & west Mayo, excluding the town council area of Castlebar
- project must be innovative i.e. something that no other business is doing in the county or region. It doesn't have to be "brand new" but needs to be different.

Please note that the following are NOT eligible:

Mainstream Agriculture
Childcare
Education
Greyhound Industry
Healthcare Activities
Loans
Nursing Homes
Conventional retail operations
Purchase of land or buildings
Race or sports horses
Working Capital
Race & Sport Industries
Insurance
Mainstream activities of Sporting clubs & Organisations

Anyone interested in participating should fill out an Expression of Interest as attached. We will review and in early December we will invite selected participants to attend workshops / mentoring with the aim of supporting applications for grant aid. Others will be referred back to South West Mayo Development Company for other advice and support.

Below is a copy of the contents of a handout with key dates that was issued on 7th November to attendees at the launch.

I'll look forward to hearing from you. If you have any questions please get in touch.

Regards,
Nuala Greenan
LEADER4Enterprise Team
087 1609600

Handout given to Attendees on 7th Nov:

LEADER4Enterprise

The LEADER4Enterprise programme will include support to:

Decide if your idea or project is viable
Develop your idea or project further
Understand the requirements for applying for a LEADER grant
Produce a plan for your business or project
Apply for grant aid

These supports will be provided through a combination of group training and individual mentoring.

Timetable of Activities

7th Nov 2012 Programme Launch

Attendees at today's launch will complete an Expression of Interest. In the coming weeks the LEADER4Enterprise team may be in contact to discuss and to further assess the idea or project for eligibility. Subject to availability you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the programme.

30th Nov 2012 Closing Date for Expression of Interest

For those unable to attend today's launch an expression of interest form can be submitted up to the 30th November.

13th Dec and 17th Jan Ideas Generation & Development Workshops

These workshops will help individuals explore business ideas and consider how to develop these further. Workshops will be open to those who already have an idea as well as those looking for inspiration.

Jan - March 2013 Business Planning Workshops

These workshops will help individuals develop a plan for their business or project as required for an application for LEADER funding. Numbers will be limited and short listing may apply with priority given to those who have shown progress in developing their project or idea.

Dec 2012 onwards Support & Mentoring

Not everyone will need to attend the workshops as outlined above. As your business or project idea develops the LEADER4Enterprise team will work with you to support you in preparing an application for grant aid. This will involve areas such as business planning, financial forecasting, sources of funding, market research, sales and marketing, branding and business management. Support will be given individually and/or in groups to best suit everyone's needs.

The LEADER4Enterprise team is made up of:

Evelyn Cormican, Blueprint Coaching and Training has over 17 years experience in management and training, working with individuals, employees and business owners. Over the years she has transformed the attitudes and behaviours of her clients to help them maximise their potential and move their business forward to greater success.

Máirín O'Reilly, Mór Public Relations specialises in communications for SME's and start-ups, providing consultancy and training in PR, marketing / communications and business development.

Since 2003 Mór PR has helped clients in hospitality, technology, health and medical, food, lifestyle, festivals, community groups, not-for-profits and charities to develop their businesses and projects.

Nuala Greenan, NG Management Services works with new and existing businesses to help them make the most of the resources they have available and obtain funding and grant support. With over 16 yrs management experience in SME's and multinationals in Ireland & overseas she brings a practical can-do attitude to supporting business owners to move their business on to the next level.

Contact the LEADER4Enterprise team by email at LEADER4Enterprise @gmail.com or call 098 41 950 for more information

LEADER4Enterprise is funded by South West Mayo Development Company, which administers LEADER grants under the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 in south and west Mayo that now includes the areas of Achill, Ballycroy and Tourmakeady.

Funded by South West Mayo Development Company Maoinithe ag Comhlacht Forbartha Iar-dheisceart.

under the Rural Development Programme 2007 - 2013, Mhaigh Eo faoin gClár Forbartha Tuaithe 2007 - 2013.

Irish Government National Development Plan 2007 - 2013 Rialtas na h-Éireann Plean Forbartha Náisiúnta 2007 - 2013.