BUDDING entrepreneurs have just days left to apply for Invest Northern Ireland’s Propel Programme before the January 23 deadline.
The development programme is designed to fast-track entrepreneurs with innovative ideas that have export potential. Expert advice is also available from some of Northern Ireland’s leading business minds along with essential financial support.
In the last three years the programme has helped over 30 new local companies to develop their products and business plans, enter new markets and gain over £3m investment. Between them, they are already employing over 50 people and have ambitious future growth plans.
Invest NI’s Director of Skills and Strategy, Niall Casey, is encouraging anyone with a business idea to take advantage of this excellent development opportunity.
He said: “If you have the creativity, enthusiasm and drive to bring an innovative, high-growth new product or service to the global market, and would like to benefit from a structured programme of support including mentoring from some of Northern Ireland’s experts in business, then Invest NI’s Propel Programme could be the ideal opportunity for you.
“For those that remain to be convinced of its suitability I would suggest you listen to the feedback from previous programme participants available on our website at www.propelprogramme.com.”
Steven Kirby of Axis Composites took part in Invest NI’s Propel Programme in 2010 in order to build up a business based on a new carbon fibre technology.
He recommends it to other entrepreneurs wholeheartedly, and said: “Anybody that is starting as a young, or even an old entrepreneur, I would certainly recommend the Propel programme because it gives you focus and gets you ready so you can present to investors and grow your business.”