Workshop to encourage potential local entrepreneurs

If you are considering setting up a business and have an idea for an innovative, export focused start-up enterprise, the EnterpriseSTART series of introductory workshops being run by Enterprise Ireland will help you explore these ideas further. The next workshop, which takes place over two consecutive evenings, starts on Wednesday, November 17 in Tullamore and further workshops are planned for other locations throughout Ireland later this year and next. The focus of the workshop is on helping potential entrepreneurs examine all aspects of what is involved in setting up a business and helping them determine if entrepreneurship is the right course for them. A local entrepreneur will share his experience of starting up a new technology company and a business expert will look at what is involved in the business development process. Enterprise Ireland will outline the full range of supports available for entrepreneurs with new and innovative business ideas. Declan Lenahan, CEO of Europharma Concepts in Clara, will talk about the key milestones involved in getting his business off the ground and accessing funding. As well as talking about the practical steps involved in developing a technology-based business, the key success factors and the potential pitfalls, he will give a feel for the benefits and the reality of going into business for yourself, the energy, drive and commitment it takes to establish a business and the great satisfaction and sense of achievement that comes from running a successful enterprise. Earlier this year, Europharma Concepts were announced as the National Winners of Ulster Bank’s Best Business Start-up Award. Diane Robers of Xcell Partners and the Halo Business Angel Network, is an experienced business training expert and she will set out a range of practical business and marketing tools and templates to help you analyse your business proposition and how to progress to the next stage. Outlining the importance of developing the entrepreneurial culture regionally and driving the growth of export focused innovation based start ups, Barry Egan, Enterprise Ireland Regional Director in the Midlands Region, said: “The potential for new businesses continues to be strong and starting and growing successful enterprises is fundamental to achieving regional economic growth. For Enterprise Ireland, growing the number of High Potential Start Up companies is a priority and we are proactively seeking out and supporting entrepreneurs interested in starting high growth export-oriented businesses. A strong base of innovative indigenous companies with the products, services and business development strategies that enable them to compete successfully on international markets is a key element of Enterprise Ireland’s regional entrepreneurship strategy.” For further information or to request a booking form for the event, call Margaret Hennessy at Enterprise Ireland in Athlone: Tel: 090 648 7126 or email: midlandsbusiness@enterprise-ireland.com or visit http://www.enterprise-ireland.com/