The M50 Enterprise Platform Programme 2011 (EPP) is now accepting applicants for an April intake, the LINC (Learning and Innovation Centre) and ITB (Institute of Technology Blanchardstown) have announced.
The M50 Enterprise Platform Programme at the LINC is a 12-month practically focused enterprise support programme aimed at entrepreneurs who are in the early stages of starting up their own high-potential, knowledge-intensive businesses.
There are 12 places available this year for the M50 EPP. Participants must demonstrate knowledge-based, innovative business ideas with the potential for job creation and export. Applicants are also required to have undertaken some primary market research.
“Companies on the programme get access to experts in areas including market research, product development, sales, marketing, financing and funding, to name but a few,” enterprise manager Claire Mac Namee said at the launch.
“This programme is fully funded with no charge to participants. We are looking for smart, innovative software or technology-based business ideas with a promoter who has the skills to bring this product to market. Most importantly, we are looking for someone who is going to give their business 100pc dedication and energy.”
M50 EPP consists of a range of supports, which include workshops, one-to-one business counselling, management skills training, personal development and guidance, and the development of practical skills, and importantly it also involves introduction to mentors and support agencies, including Enterprise Ireland and the County Enterprise Boards.
Workshops will cover areas including idea generation, feasibility analysis, market analysis, market research, financial planning, market entry strategy, draft business plan and operations planning. The workshops will also prepare the participants for approaching funding bodies and agencies and private funding proposals.
Upon completion of the programme, the participants will have been brought through the entire product/service development cycle, from concept to production of a feasible investment-ready business plan.
Participants are assigned a personal mentor under Enterprise Ireland’s Mentor Programme. The mentor advises and guides the entrepreneur throughout the process.
The programme will commence on 25 April 2011. The closing date for applications for the programme is 31 March 2011 at 5pm. More information for the programme is available online.
