The IGNITE Graduate Business Innovation Centre at UCC is offering 10 places for third-level graduates to transform their business ideas into start-ups in 2011.
The programme, which is open to graduates of any third-level institution in Ireland, will help the 10 qualifying participants grow their business ideas into new products and services over the next 12 months.
Launched on 12 November 2010, the IGNITE programme is being delivered by the Cork County and City Enterprise Boards and UCC. It’s also supported by Cork County Council, Cork Chamber and CorkBIC, along with the companies EMC, PFH and IBS.
The 10 graduates will avail of business incubation space in the IGNITE Graduate Business Innovation Centre at UCC for 12 months.
They will also get access to:
- A Start Your Own Business programme
- Business planning, finance, legal, marketing, sales, HR, product development and venture capital training
- Business mentoring
- Entrepreneurial ‘Coaches on Campus’
- Regular networking events
- Enterprise support and advice through a series of half-day clinics
- UCC’s academic, research and commercialisation expertise
- UCC’s information resources and library
- Cork Chamber
Business mentors
Each IGNITE participant will also be matched with a business mentor who will listen and advise on their business venture.
These mentors are a broad mix of entrepreneurs, including Dermot Carberry, managing director, Internal Solutions; Ron Connell, serial entrepreneur and owner, Activ8 Group; Brian Crumplin, an engineer with 53 years of industry experience, including 26 years at CEO level; Conor Hyde, founder, Bullseye Food Marketing; Pat Humphreys, founder of PHMS; Pat O’Flynn, principal, OFactum Group, and finalist in the 2008 Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award; chartered accountant John McCarthy; Anne Moore, owner, Moore Marketing Solutions; John Flaherty, founder of C&F Manufacturing Group and Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2008; social-media expert Damien Mulley who runs Mulley Communications; chartered management accountant Neil O’Brien, Billy O’Connor, managing director of The Discovery Partnership; and Colette Quinn, director of Real Insights and associate partner, ThinkTank.
Sparking future entrepreneurs
Interested candidates are invited to submit a curriculum vitae and application form available on the IGNITE website. The closing date is today, 10 December 2010.
Short-listed candidates will then need to provide an initial business plan/feasibility study and a PowerPoint presentation at interview stage. Once the 10 candidates have been selected, the programme will begin on 31 January 2011.
