M50 comes to ITB

One of the most successful support programmes for budding entrepreneurs is now being offered at the LINC (Learning & Innovation Centre) at the Institute of Technology Blanchardstown (ITB).

The M50 Enterprise Programme is a 12 month practically focused enterprise support programme aimed at entrepreneurs who are in the early stages of starting their own high potential, knowledge intensive business.

Since it began in 2001 over 120 entrepreneurs have passed through the M50 programme many of whom are now established as successful businesses.

Gerry Bedford, managing director of Iompar Logistics, is a past participant of the programme. “The M50 Enterprise Programme is of enormous benefit to someone who has a business idea because it provides them with a very structured approach to developing their idea with the support of experienced business experts whose advice and guidance is extremely useful at this critical stage of developing your business,” said Gerry.

According to programme manager, Patricia O’Sullivan, “entrepreneurs are different – they don’t talk about it, they just do it! The M50 Enterprise Programme is there to guide and support them throughout a formative period in their endeavour. We ensure that they do the right things in the right way and at the right time to increase their chances of success.”

Participants on the M50 Enterprise Programme are provided with a range of practical supports including assistance with business development plans, expert advice, mentoring, training and networking. Incubation facilities and grant aid are also available in some instances.

Patricia also stresses that there is no charge for attending the programme, nor is any stake in the participant's company taken.

Applicants should be graduates with some commercial experience behind them and have a knowledge-based business idea with the potential for export and job creation.

It is also important that they should have undertaken some primary market research showing the customer need and an understanding of their intended marketplace. “Most of all,” says Patricia “they should be prepared to commit full-time to getting the business going and possess enthusiasm, confidence and determination to make that happen.”

Recruitment for the M50 Enterprise Programme at the LINC has now started and the programme will begin in May 2008.
Anyone interested in participating or seeking further information should contact Assumpta Harvey
(tel. 01 885 1186) or e-mail m50linc@itb.ie

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