Got An Idea? In association with Enterprise Ireland

EnterpriseSTART is an Enterprise Ireland programme that helps would-be Entrepreneurs take the First Step.

Colm Hackett, Manager for Regions and Entrepreneurship, Enterprise Ireland

All successful businesses begin with just one idea, created in the mind of someone who has the desire to own their own business and the drive and determination to realise that ambition. There are many prospective entrepreneurs with the germ of an idea for a commercial enterprise. For some, however, the option of leaving full-time employment to explore whether their business idea has any realistic chance of success is simply not feasible. If this sounds like you, then Enterprise Ireland's EnterpriseSTART Programme might be just what you need to help you take that first step towards achieving your goal.

Getting Started

Developed in 2005 by Enterprise Ireland and FÁS, EnterpriseSTART is aimed at potential entrepreneurs in full-time employment who wish to develop a technology or knowledge intensive business with export potential.

The EnterpriseSTART programme is delivered over six weekends and is unique in that it offers a realistic market-place perspective on what is involved in creating a competitive and sustainable enterprise.

Practical Emphasis

EnterpriseSTART provides participants with the opportunity to explore the practical issues involved in setting up and running a business. The programme is delivered by business people and entrepreneurs with specific expertise in starting and developing new businesses. The content is designed to help participants make decisions regarding the feasibility of their business idea and covers a wide range of topics including: how to build a sustainable competitive advantage; strategy development and implementation; business planning and raising finance.

EI Support

Participants can also avail of one-to-one mentoring and are exposed to the expertise, knowledge and connections that Enterprise Ireland will make available to them once they actually start a business.

Regionally Based

Since its inception, over 130 potential entrepreneurs have participated in thirteen EnterpriseSTART programmes held in ten regional locations. This autumn, the programme is scheduled to take place in a number of locations across the country including Cork, Galway, Donegal, Kerry, Dundalk, Sligo and Waterford, as well as in Dublin. There is a nominal participant fee of €275.

For more information visit www.enterprise-ireland.com/enterpriseSTART or contact your local Enterprise Ireland Regional Office.

Delivery The programme is learner centred with an emphasis on participation and involvement. Presentations are supported by written documentation and/or web based material. Structure The programme consists of six modules run over consecutive weekends. Each module comprises a Friday evening (three hours) and the following Saturday morning (three hours).

	Module one The Entrepreneurial Mindset Finding the Opportunity & Building a Sustainable Competitive Advantage
	Module two The Business Planning Process – objectives, market assessment, strategy development & implementation
	Module three The New Venture Team – the Entrepreneur as Manager Managing a Start-Up Ethics
	Module Four Starting a Business from Ireland Legal Issues The Protection & Management of Intellectual Property
	Module Five The Sales & Marketing Plan The Financial Plan Financial Supports
	Module Six Presenting your Business Plan & Negotiating the Deal Raising Finance Summarising the Entrepreneurial Process Next Steps