2010 press releases
Posted 22 February 2010
Midlands & West Enterprise Programme 2010 now recruiting
A one-year programme that helps entrepreneurs get a new business up-and-running is now recruiting in the Midlands.
The Midlands and West Enterprise Programme (MWEP) is a well-established scheme based in the Midlands Innovation and Research Centre (MIRC) at AIT and the Innovation in Business Centre at GMIT and is run in partnership with Enterprise Ireland.
The programme, which commences in April, provides entrepreneurs with the business skills, networks, facilities and supports necessary to navigate the business start-up process. Participants may also apply to Enterprise Ireland for CORD salary support.
According to MIRC manager, Michael Lonergan, “If you are a prospective entrepreneur with industry experience and an innovative business idea, the MWEP will provide you with the business skills and support necessary to transform your idea into a successful business.”
Participants’ business idea should possess growth and export potential. They should be graduates (diploma level or higher) with a number of years’ industry experience and have the enthusiasm and drive necessary to develop and grow a successful business.
Ten high potential entrepreneurs from the Midlands are participating on the current MWEP – products being developed include imaging software, a logistics portal, innovative packaging and e-learning solutions.
Claire Quinn’s company, Peat Treat, specialises in the development of peat products for therapeutic and cosmetic treatments. According to Ms Quinn, “As a start-up company, the MWEP provides us with state-of-the-art facilities and a comprehensive business support programme, while AIT provides a ready-made research capability for the development of our products. The programme provides the time and space to carry out proper validation of the business idea.”
Specific supports offered by the MWEP include: structured business development training; one-to-one mentoring and business counselling; access to the facilities and resources of AIT and GMIT; access to industry expertise; as well as support with business strategy development, planning and execution. Participants may apply for Enterprise Ireland salary support and there is no participant fee.
For further information contact Michael Lonergan, MIRC, on telephone 090 647 1882 or by email to mlonergan@ait.ie. Information is also available online at www.mirc.ie/mwep.
