An innovative, practical based enterprise training and mentoring programme for people who plan to start up their own businesses or develop their existing one is to commence in the GMIT Innovation in Business Centre (IiBC) in Castlebar in October 2011 - following the success of the two previous programmes. South West Mayo Development Company will be providing support with the development of the programme.

The GMIT Innovation in Business Centre is now accepting applications for the programme and expects places to fill quickly.

The four-month training programme, which will be delivered on a part-time basis, has ten places available for entrepreneurs. The enterprise training and mentoring programme will have a combined approach of practical learning through workshop delivery, hands-on experience and one-to-one mentoring for all participants. The Innovation Centre will facilitate the networking and other supports necessary to navigate the business start-up process.
Businesses who have taken part in the most recent programme have been supported to develop products and services in a wide range or areas including an innovative dog grooming kennel, an online business for purchasing materials for moving home, bespoke furniture production, health management programme, artisan food production, motorhome rentals, silver jewellery courses, Irish mythology products, new energy saving products and a web portal for craft suppliers.

Fintan Conlon, Director of Moving Box Ireland, who completed the programme said: "Whether you are starting a new business or growing an existing one, I highly recommend this SME Programme."

"'We received excellent mentoring from The Discovery Partnership, the IiBC and the various experts employed to deliver the workshops, who all helped us grow a small service into the launch of a brand new ecommerce site called www.movingboxireland.com. We are delighted with the result. The site definitely benefitted from the guidance received throughout this course'.

The GMIT Innovation Centre provides a professional, modern environment for early-stage entrepreneurs and businesses. In addition to business accommodation, there are opportunities to engage with other businesses at the same or similar stages of development. Most importantly, the management at the centre provides excellent support and advice. For more information contact iibccastlebar@gmit.ie

Maria Staunton, Centre Manager, GMIT Castlebar IiBC, is delighted with the success of the course and to be able to offer this programme again in October. "It enables individuals to explore their business opportunity and at the end of the four months understand if the business is feasible or not. We are very happy to work with South West Mayo Development Company in delivering the course".