A new programme aims to provide support for start-up companies.
The Larne Business Innovation and Incubation Programme (LBIIP) and Innovation Suite, launched by LEDCOM, is open for applications from eligible start-ups and existing small businesses and offers access to support in areas such as:
- Business and marketing plans, HR plans and corporate governance plans;
- Signposting/referral to other sources of support/networking opportunities;
- Package of subsidised training to include management and leadership training/project management training/ICT training;
- Access to finance support
- Assistance with recruitment;
- PR and marketing support programme, including social media;
- Subsidised rental ramp-up within the innovation suite units.
LEDCOM chief executive officer Ken Nelson said that enterprises selected for the LBIIP and locating in the innovation suite would be provided with a wide range of tailored business support from dedicated and experienced staff.
He said: “This is an exciting opportunity for knowledge-based, export-orientated start-up companies to get bespoke incubation support, move into state-of-the-art facilities and receive top class business advice and mentoring in areas such as marketing, recruitment and IT skills.
“Our Willowbank Business Park site already houses a number of innovative and forward- looking companies such as Stealth Translations which are using the latest technology to explore new markets.
“New companies who seize this opportunity will be working in an environment where entrepreneurship and fresh thinking thrives.”
The LBIIP is supported by Larne Borough Council and was officially launched by the Mayor of Larne Councillor Martin Wilson.
The mayor said: “As Larne Borough Council comes to an end as a local authority, it is highly appropriate that one of my concluding events on behalf of the council was to announce a project which has the potential to bring economic benefits to Larne for years to come.
“It is even more fitting that it is in relation to a project which is a partnership between the council and LEDCOM.
“The LBIIP represents the fulfilment of an agreed strategic action under Larne Borough Council’s economic development action plan to encourage innovation through business incubation.
“Under the council’s economic development budget, it agreed £100,000 capital budget support towards the project with matched funding provided by LEDCOM.”