Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT) has launched the 2009 Midlands & West Enterprise Programme (MWEP), commencing in March 2009, for people interested in starting their own business.

“The one-year programme is a collaboration between GMIT and Athlone IT, and provides entrepreneurs with business skills, networks, facilities and supports necessary to navigate the business start-up process. It is delivered in GMIT’s campuses in Galway and Mayo, and in Athlone IT. Applications are now being accepted.

Anyone interested in signing up for the course should ideally have a number of years industry experience and have the enthusiasm and drive necessary to develop and grow a successful business. The MWEP may also be of interest to expatriates who are hoping to return home to set up their own business in the West of Ireland. Participants may apply to Enterprise Ireland for CORD funding, which could provide up to 50 per cent of previous year’s gross salary.

The MWEP provides participants with business acumen, office desk space, mentoring, networking, facilities, and supports necessary to help them in establishing and running their own businesses. Participants should have a business idea with growth and export potential.

These new start-up companies will form the foundation for the next generation of Irish enterprises,” said Maria Staunton, Manager of the Innovation in Business Centre in GMIT and she added “We are looking forward to supporting the next generation of innovative start-ups in the region through this programme.”

Twelve high-potential entrepreneurs are participating on the current MWEP: products and services being developed include Innovative Medical Devices, Internet Video Services, Novel Marketing Channels, Specialist Integrated Circuit Design, Health Service Application Software, Emergency Service Co-Ordination Software and Contract Tendering Portals.

Brian Morley, CEO AnaCores and based in the IiBC at GMIT Castlebar, says: "Participation in the MWEP has been extremely beneficial in AnaCores' evolution from initial concept to business venture. The provision of incubation space and also the advice and mentoring from seasoned professionals on all aspects of the critical start-up period has been instrumental to the foundation of my business"

The Innovation in Business Centre (IiBC) at GMIT provides incubation space and a range of business development supports to start-up companies. Further information is available at our website www.gmit.ie/iibc.

Applicants interested in the Mayo centre should contact Maria Staunton, IiBC Mayo Manager at (094) 9043198 or email maria.staunton@gmit.ieand those interested in the Galway centre should contact George McCourt at (091) 742822 or email george.mccourt@gmit.ie.