OPPORTUNITY FOR BUSINESS START-UPS

The Galway Mayo Institute of Technology is now recruiting for the next Midlands & West Enterprise Programme (MWEP) commencing in June 2011. This is a seven month programme providing entrepreneurs with business skills, networks, facilities and supports necessary to navigate and execute the business start-up process.

Applicants should ideally have a number of years industry experience and have the enthusiasm and drive necessary to develop and grow a successful business. 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 he added "We are looking forward to supporting the next generation of innovative start-ups in the region through the new programme."

Thirteen high potential entrepreneurs are participating on the current MWEP. Products/services being developed include Innovative Medical Devices, Vehicle Telematics, Energy Solutions, Wireless Automation, Smart Business Directories, Water management, Reflexology products, NLP Digital media, Manufacturing software and Digital Rights Defense systems.

The MWEP provided Tony Hegarty from Ordu Limited with ‘information on how to be successful, how to avoid some early pitfalls, a supportive environment working in the innovation centre and the confidence gained by working side by side with other innovative projects. It's a great start for a new idea'.

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.

The Innovation in Business Centres at Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology provides incubation space and a range of business development supports to new start-up companies. Further information is available at our website www.gmit.ie/iibc.

Applicants interested in the Galway centre are welcome to contact Maria Staunton at (094) 9043198 or email maria.staunton@gmit.ie or those interested in the Galway centre should contact George McCourt at (091) 742822 or email george.mccourt@gmit.ie.

IiBC is responsible for the following:

• 150+ jobs created
• €16,000,000 funding raised by client companies
• 13 HPSU (high potential start-up) companies created
• 17 successful spin outs