Cork CEB News Feed

IGNITE Graduate Business Innovation Programme at UCC

Tue, 01 May 2012 00:00:00 +0100

The IGNITE Graduate Business Innovation Programme at UCC provides funding and free business incubation space, mentoring and support to graduates of any higher education institution who are interested in starting up a new business over a nine month period. The programme is currently recruiting for this year’s intake starting in October. The closing date for applications is 1st June 2012.
An information evening will be held on Wednesday, 2 May at 6pm in Boole 1, UCC. Refreshments will be served afterwards.

To register for this event please email: ignite@ucc.ie or contact Miriam Collins, IGNITE Programme Manager on 021-4902823.

Further details on the Programme can be viewed at http://ignite.ucc.ie

Statement on the future of the Enterprise Boards

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Press Statement Monday, February 13th 2012
Statement by Mr. Vincent Reynolds, Chair of the Network of CEOs of County and City Enterprise Boards (Monday, February 13th 2012)

“The County and City Enterprise Boards note the proposal of the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation to replace the County and City Enterprise Boards with a new network of Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs). The County and City Enterprise Boards would like to reassure all of our clients that pending completion of the revised service delivery arrangements, we will continue to deliver the full range of enterprise support services. This is particularly crucial at this time when so many small and micro businesses are struggling and disruption of service could have a catastrophic impact.

The County and City Enterprise Boards nationally provide supports to over 25,000 firms through the provision of high quality training, advice, mentoring and financial supports. At the end of 2011 there were over 32,600 net full time jobs in County and City Enterprise Board supported enterprises.
Since their inception in 1993, the County and City Enterprise Boards have been at the forefront of efforts to stimulate enterprise awareness and promote an enterprise culture throughout the length and breadth of Ireland. The establishment of the County and City Enterprise Boards as statutory bodies enabled them to take on multifaceted economic and enterprise development roles and enabled them to lever in significant resources on behalf of their clients from European Union and other international sources.

Small and micro businesses represent about 93% of all registered businesses in Ireland. The County and City Enterprise Boards have been the main locally-based and accessible service provider over the past seventeen or eighteen years. It is imperative that the level and quality of the service provided is maintained.

The County and City Enterprise Boards will be fully engaging with the Department of Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation, Enterprise Ireland and the Local Authorities to effect the proposed changes and ensure a smooth transition to the revised institutional arrangements.”
END OF STATEMENT

International motivational speaker Debra Searle coming to cork

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000

Debra Searle who defied the odds and the critics when she rowed single-handedly across the Atlantic in her boat The Troika, is to deliver a major motivational talk to business owners as part of the Cork City and South Enterprise Boards’ NEW Business Network on February 29th in the Rochestown Park Hotel.

When Debra's rowing partner left her alone at sea less than two weeks into a transatlantic rowing race, the sceptics gave her little chance of surviving the harsh conditions, loneliness and physical toll that faced her. The odds were stacked against her: most people would have seen the obstacles and adversity that loomed and would have quit. Yet in one of the World’s most inspiring adventures, Debra faced down those obstacles and 111 days later she rowed into Port St Charles, Barbados, to a rapturous welcome from friends, family, supporters and the world's media.

Debra will share this experience with Cork business people on February 29th. This event is an absolute must for every business person who is trying to keep positive and overcome obstacles in 2012 and beyond, as Debra will share powerful tools and techniques that she used to survive and keep on going in her journey alone, that we can use in our everyday and business lives. Debra Searle is not just a woman with an amazing story to tell. She is also an accomplished business woman having started her first company aged 24 and her second aged 27. She is a managing director, the youngest Trustee of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, a published author and has presented over 40 programmes for the BBC.

Debra's overwhelming positivity and 'go for it' attitude are contagious. Through her own experiences she has helped numerous businesses, both large and small, to choose the right attitude, however impossible the end goal may seem. She has worked with organisations including IBM, Ford Motor Co., Microsoft, KPMG and England Rugby to get them to successfully step outside their comfort zone and thrive; find the positives when everything is changing; focus only that which can be changed; and stay motivated and determined, even when the journey only seems to be getting harder.

Sponsored by Cork City and South Cork Enterprise Boards and QED Training, Debra Searle will be speaking at the NEW Network in the Rochestown Park Hotel on Wednesday 29th February 2012 (Arrival and Networking from 6pm).
Members of the NEW network can attend this event as part of their annual membership. Non-members must register and the event fee of € 25 will apply.
Annual membership of NEW is €60 and new members should register for the network on www.sceb.ie or call 021 4975281 / 021 4961828.
To register for the event go to (http://conta.cc/DebraSearleCork) or call Joanne on 0872882688.

Construction Industry Professionals Open Night

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000

If you are an engineer, architect or design professional sole trader and are challenged to find business in the current economic climate you will be interested in participating in an Open Night in Maryborough House on Wednesday January 25th at 6pm. Supported by Cork Enterprise Board, Enterprise Ireland, Engineers Ireland, the Royal Institute of Architects, Cork Chamber, Cork City Partnership, Cork City Council and various educational institutions the Open Night will explore the benefits of working in a shared environment as a part of a co-operative Hub.

The contraction of the construction industry in Ireland has left a huge surplus of highly skilled and experienced engineering, architectural and other construction professionals. Graduates from third level colleges are joining the market with skillsets in the latest technology to join this surplus. Is the only alternative to leave the country to get work? Are there strategies to retain the experience within the industry and the investment made in education? Emigration comes at an economic as well as a social cost. Do we have to lose the potential of these highly educated and experienced professionals to generate income in Ireland? With technology, determination and know-how, professional services can now be exported, as in other industries.

The creation of a Hub for Construction Professionals may be the means for targeting new construction projects at home and abroad. It will be located in Cork City where professionals will share low-cost, low risk affordable office space that includes common areas, canteen and meeting room. Participants in this community get to network, collaborate, share knowledge and are better placed to bid for projects.

Key note speakers on the night will include Frank O’Mahony, Managing Director, Wilson Architects and Pat McGrath, Deputy Chairman – International Development, PM Group. Each speaker will share their experiences on working in international markets. We invite anyone who feels they might be interested in being a part of this initiative, to attend the evening.

To learn more and to register for this free open night contact Judy Costigan on 021-4887056 or judy@costiganmarketing.com

Schools Trade Fair Winners

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Regina Mundi College Scoop Top Awards at Enterprise Competition

Students from Regina Mundi College in Cork City scooped the top prizes at the Cork Schools Enterprise Programme’s annual Christmas Trade Fair, which took place in Blackpool Shopping Centre on 7th December.

The winning team in the Cork City category is called Ace of Space. The Transition Year students from Regina Mundi College specialise in producing decorative remote control holders that hang over the side of the couch. They also produced ‘Bag Buddies’ – specially designed holders that Velcro to the inside of a schoolbag. The product holds keys, mobile phone etc and can be transferred to students’ locker at school.

Other prizes awarded on the day included:

• Best display stand: Wrapper Mania, North Presentation School
• Best sales techniques: The Hood, St. Patrick’s Girls’ School
• Best innovation: Retrospekt, St. Vincent’s School
• Best team spirit: Ace of Space, Regina Mundi College

31 student enterprises took part in the Trade Fair which is designed to give students who are running their own student businesses a taste of what it’s really like to be entrepreneurs. At the event, students set up and decorated display stands in the aisle of the shopping centre and put their range of products on display to sell to Christmas shoppers. During the morning students interacted with shoppers, sold their products and were assessed by a panel of judges comprising of local business people.

Over 15,000 students nationwide participate in the Programme (Student Enterprise Awards), an initiative of the County and City Enterprise Boards. The next leg of the competition will be the Regional Finals which take place in March, followed by high profile National Finals in Croke Park in April 2012.

Food Forum

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +0000

The Cork County & City Enterprise Boards are running our fourth highly successful Cork Food Forum event this November in Cork City. At each event we have a number of food producers exhibiting and providing tastings of their products. This adds to the event and provides for a great interaction amongst buyers, producers, suppliers and other guests at the event.

The event starts with registration at 6pm and speakers include Pauline Browne from Musgrave Retail Partners Ireland, Richard Hill – General Manager, Oakland International Distribution and Tadhg O' Donovan, Glenilen Farm.

Full details can be downloaded here
Attendance is free but pre-registration is necessary at www.wceb.ie

CORK MEET - DUBLIN Forum - November 10th 2011

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Croke Park Conference Centre November 10, 2011

Now in its third year, CORKMEET is Ireland’s leading Business Networking Forum. CORKMEET - DUBLIN FORUM, The 2011 event is being organised in order to give Cork companies the opportunity to network with businesses from the Dublin Metropolitan area in a busy, day-long programme of one-to-one pre-scheduled meetings. The event is suited to innovative SME’s in a strictly business to business environment looking to trade or partner with relevant companies from the Dublin and Cork regions. The aim is to connect and foster new meaningful business relationships. CORKMEET 2011 – DUBLINFORUM is taking place during Innovation Dublin 2011 which is taking place across Dublin between 17th October and 18th November.

The Trading Link Cork partners (Cork County & City Enterprise Boards, Cork County Council, Cork City Council and Cork Chamber) are pleased to once again work together to offer Cork companies this opportunity and have partnered for this Forum with the Dublin County & City Enterprise Boards and Plato Dublin to deliver this unique event.

In order to pre-register an expression of interest please visit www.corkmeet.ie or email: enquiries@corkmeet.ie

National Women's Enterprise Day

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0100

This Year's National Women's Enterprise Day takes place in the Heritage Hotel, Portlaoise on November 16th & 17th.

There are many networking opportunities over the two days as well as mentoring clinics, expert speakers and an exhibition of Enterprise Support Agencies.

So put the date in your diary and go to www.nwed.ie for further details.

Getting Irish Business Online

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0100

An Post, Blacknight and the County & City Enterprise Boards have teamed up with Google to target the 40% of Irish SMEs and sole traders that do not have a website or an online presence.

The campaign, Getting Irish Business Online, was on May 09th by An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, T.D. with the help from party colleagues Richard Bruton T.D, Minister for Enterprise, Jobs and Innovation, and John Perry T.D, Minister of State for Small Business. It mirrors a similar campaign in the North of Ireland (launched October 2010) and calls on all businesses that do not have a website to log on to www.gettingbusinessonline.ie where they can create their business website for free.

According to Google research, 40% of Irish commercial SMEs do not have a website and almost 60% do not have an entry in an online directory. This is despite the millions of euros being spent by Irish consumers shopping online every year. Over 75% of Irish customers use the Internet as their primary tool for researching new companies and products, and 68% believe that search engines help to find relevant sellers of products. But, with only 21% of Irish businesses e-commerce enabled, Ireland is effectively losing revenues to UK and US online businesses.

Google's research also found that common barriers to setting up online are a lack of skills, perceived high costs and time restrictions. The Getting Irish Business Online campaign will support businesses and sole traders to build a free website in under 30 minutes which is the first step to building an online business. Blacknight Solutions will provide participants with a free website, and hosting with a .ie, .eu or .com domain name which is free for one year from the set-up of their website. Google will also provide a trial of online advertising with a coupon worth €100, whilst the County & City Enterprise Boards will run nationwide seminars giving registered businesses additional support in setting up a website and learning how to attract new custom online. It is expected that these will be run in June - August and notification will go out to people.

An Post is supporting integration of a postage calculator into a full e-commerce solution, launching June 1st and it will provide promotional offers, support and advice to businesses who sell online and have developed their website through Getting Irish Business Online.

Ronan Harris, Director of Online Sales, Google said: "There is a huge opportunity for Irish businesses which they are failing to grasp. An online presence gives the potential to increase sales and revenues not just locally but internationally and helps to build stronger, more sustainable businesses that will ultimately benefit local, regional and the national economies.

Irish consumers spend almost 20 hours per week online and with millions of people in Ireland shopping online there is a significant marketplace for Irish SMEs to exploit. At the moment a large part of that spend is going overseas and we need to accelerate the number of Irish businesses online. Today we are hopefully seeing the start of a national movement which will gather momentum and bring every sole trader, micro enterprise and SME online."

Speaking at the launch An Taoiseach Enda Kenny T.D., said, "Irish businesses need to be establishing themselves on-line now to get a foothold in the on-line market. In the challenging economic times that we are working to overcome, having an on-line presence would help Irish businesses survive and keep people in jobs.

For most businesses, having a presence online is no longer an optional extra: it's an essential part of business in the twenty-first century. The presence of Google and other technology companies here forming a digital services hub is a very real asset to the Irish economy. This new innovation will help get more Irish small business online - so they can sell their goods and services from Ballina to Beijing."

Michele Neylon, Managing Director, Blacknight Solutions, added: "We are confident that the tool we have created for this campaign will be easy to use. We know all the pitfalls, what is best practice and how beneficial being online can be for businesses, so we hope that thousands of Irish businesses will take advantage of this fantastic free offer."

it@cork Innovation that Matters Competition

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 00:00:00 +0100

“Innovation that Matters” Initiative
The primary focus of the “Innovation that Matters” initiative is to identify, recognise and promote technology concepts, products and services emanating from companies in Cork and the wider region. see full details in the following attachment Innovation That Matters Initiative

Seedcorn Competition Workshop

Fri, 27 May 2011 00:00:00 +0100

InterTradeIreland Seedcorn competition promotional Workshop
Rubicon Centre, Bishopstown, Cork
Thursday 16 June 14:00
Registration essential
http://www.intertradeireland.com/seedcorn/business-competition/events/

Google Initiative - Getting Irish Business Online

Tue, 17 May 2011 00:00:00 +0100

Cork Schools Finals

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Students from St. Angela’s School scooped the top prize at the Regional Finals of the Cork Schools Enterprise Programme Competition, which took place in CIT as part of their annual Innovation Day on 8th March.

The winning team, Mini Marketeers, produced special student ID cards that enable students to avail of discounts in retail outlets throughout Cork City and County.

Mini Marketeers will now go on to represent Cork City Enterprise Board at the National Student Enterprise Awards competition next month which takes place in Croke Park. Other prizes awarded on the day include:

• Best display stand: Cozy Cups, St. Vincent’s Secondary School
• Best innovation: Mini-Marketeers, St. Angela’s School
• Best Marketing: Party Eyes, St. Vincent’s Secondary School
• Best Business Report: Knit Knacks, Regina Mundi College

17 student enterprises, representing 11 schools from Cork City and South Cork in total took part in the event which is designed to give students who are running their own student businesses a taste of what it’s really like to be entrepreneurs. At the event, students set up exhibition stands in the Nexus Student Centre in CIT and also made a formal business presentation. The competition was judged by a panel of judges comprising of local business people.

Cork Enterprise Month Launched

Fri, 04 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Following on from the success of Cork Enterprise Month 2010, Cork Enterprise Month 2011 is back and is a joint initiative between the four Cork County & City Enterprise Boards – Cork City, North Cork, South Cork and West Cork.

The event will highlight the wide variety of training, networking events and activities planned for micro-enterprises during the month of March. It will promote and encourage entrepreneurship and innovation across micro-enterprises (businesses employing 1-10 employees) in the County & City.

A full schedule of events is available and can be accessed through the calendar of events.
And full details on the activities of all of the Cork Enterprise Boards can be found at www.corkenterpriseboards.ie

Genesis Enterprise Programme

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0000

How do you turn your idea into a real business? When it comes to starting or expanding your business, it’s usually not the idea that fails but the execution that wins. To survive and win in today’s global markets, Irish start-ups need to be expert not just in the idea or product but also in designing and executing the business around the idea. The highly successful Genesis Enterprise Programme helps entrepreneurs develop their ideas into real exporting businesses. Genesis is now recruiting entrepreneurs for its new 2011/12 programme commencing in May 2011.

Now in its 14th year, Genesis has a proven track record in helping over 180 entrepreneurs get their businesses off the ground. And, the real measure of its success is that more than 70% of the start-up businesses who emerged from the Genesis programme are in operation five years on, employing well over 1,200 people in the South West of Ireland. At a time when exports have never been so important to the future of our economy, over 50% of the businesses emerging from Genesis are selling to customers in international markets. Many have become Enterprise Ireland “High Potential Start-Ups” and raised significant angel and venture capital investment.

Putting the Programme into real terms, some well-known businesses that started life in Genesis include Abtran, Crest Solutions, Cully & Sully, Comnitel/IBM, Eolas International, Ferfics, Radisen Diagnostics, Treemetrics, Weddingdates.ie, and Wavebreak Media. The emphasis of Genesis has always been to support high value, knowledge based Irish owned businesses, which have the potential to scale into export markets and create employment in Ireland. Genesis works with start-ups across a diversity of sectors including energy and environmental, food, photonics, information technology, mechanical engineering, medical devices, biotechnology, media and internationally traded services.

So how does it work? Genesis is a 12-month, full time, rapid incubation programme that provides a comprehensive range of supports to innovative start-ups to help them establish their business successfully in a planned and focused environment. Over the duration of the programme they will be presented with the practical skills, expertise, contact networks and tools necessary to develop an idea into a solid real business.

Participants learn through seminars, workshops, clinics, mentoring and peer learning meetings. Business milestones are set for their development and their progress is guided by a dedicated Programme Manager, Denise Kennedy, and the experienced Rubicon team and its wider network of experts, as well as ready access to the programme partners including Cork Institute of Technology, Enterprise Ireland and the Cork City & County Enterprise Boards. Along the way, they learn how talk to the market, raise investment capital and launch their product/service in the marketplace. Information and access to sources of business funding is one of the most critical areas that Genesis works with start-ups on. Participants can work at their own location or take advantage of free office facilities in the Rubicon Centre, Ireland’s largest incubation centre, embedded on campus in the Cork Institute of Technology.

The work of the Genesis Enterprise Programme and Cork Institute of Technology in developing entrepreneurs in Ireland was recognised in the EU's European Enterprise Awards 2010 in Madrid. Genesis won an award for best practice in enterprise development from a field of over 300 projects across 28 countries.

Genesis attributes its success in enabling the emergence of new companies to its significant experience gained from a 14 year history of working with start ups and the rich entrepreneurial environment that has grown up around the programme. Genesis participants can leverage and learn from the network of past participants operating both in the Rubicon Centre and beyond in the South West region, the practical expertise of one-to-one clinics and mentors and to the resources of the programme partners in Cork Institute of Technology, Enterprise Ireland and the Cork City & County Enterprise Boards.

If you want to gain the commercial advantage that Genesis offers for your business start up, applications for the upcoming 2011/2012 Genesis Enterprise Programme can be made online by visiting www.gep.ie. The closing date for applications is Friday 8th April 2011 with the new programme commencing in May. For an informal and confidential discussion of your business idea and eligibility, please contact Denise Kennedy, Programme Manager, at 021 4928907 or dkennedy@gep.ie

The Programme is funded by the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment under the National Development Plan 2007 – 2013.

Start Your Own Business Courses

Wed, 12 Jan 2011 15:49:55 +0000

If you are just starting or thinking of starting a business, then the Start Your Own Business Course will be of interest.

Cork City Enterprise Board are talking bookings for two courses.
The first is a 6-evening course starting on Wednesday February 09th. Further details at Evening Start Your Own Business Programme.

The second is 3-Saturday programme running in May. See Saturday Start Your Own Business Programme

Building a Business on your Ideas- IP & Patents

Wed, 12 Jan 2011 15:49:17 +0000

ï¿½Building a Business on Your Ideasï¿½

A free business seminar, entitled ï¿½Building a business on Your ideasï¿½, organised by the Patents Office will be held in the Rochestown Park hotel on Monday February 21st.

The seminar, which is part of a series being run nationwide is aimed at small business-owners, entrepreneurs, inventors and startup companies.

Speakers include experts from the public and private sectors and local entrepreneurs.

The seminar will examine how to convert an idea into a business opportunity, due diligence in setting up a business, an insight into what are patents, trade marks and industrial designs and how they should be managed and a comprehensive overview of the State supports and tax incentives for innovative businesses.

This is a full day workshop and the schedule will be available shortly.

The full agenda is available here

The seminar is free but you must pre register at http://www.sceb.ie/online-booking

Ignite Programme at UCC

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 15:48:27 +0000

Cork County and City Enterprise Boards are supporting the IGNITE Graduate BUsiness Innovation Centre at UCC.

The programme provides a professional environment for graduates to nurture innovative ideas and accelerate business start-ups including:

Business incubation space in state-of-the-art facility at UCC's Western Gateway Building for 12 months.
A comprehensive Start Your Own Business Programme
Business Planning, Finance, Legal, Marketing, Sales, HR, Product Development and Venture Capital training
Business Mentoring
Access to entrepreneurial 'Coaches on Campus'
Regular Networking Events
Enterprise Support and advice through a series of half-day clinics
Access to UCC's academic, research and commercialisation expertise
Location ina multidisciplinary campus with access to the University's informtion resources and library
Membership of Cork Chamber

The application process is now closed and the programme will launch on January 31st with the first ignite participants.

http://ignite.ucc.ie / email: ignite@ucc.ie

NEW meeting with Veronica Canning

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 15:47:45 +0000

Self Belief - Believers are the real achievers.

Our final meeting is all out our members, local women in business. Veronica Canning will come and celebrate the end of year with us. Veronica is recognised in Ireland, United Kingdom and abroad for her inspiring ad motivational speeches to women in business.

Her expertise includes strategies for success, setting goals and realising them, overcomin challenges and embracing change. Her experience includes work with Government, industry and the Not for Profit sector. As an author she has published fourn books and is an expert i communications and is immediate past president of the Professional Speakers Association in Ireland.

This promises to be an excellend pre-Christmas event and we look forward to welcoming you there.

Further information from:

Ita Murphy, ita@corkceb.ie / 021 4961828

National Women's Enterprise Day

Tue, 19 Oct 2010 15:47:06 +0100

National Women's Enterprise Day takes place on November 19th at the Strand Hotel, Ennis Road, Limerick.

This event offers support to women already in business and those thinking of starting out, providing the opportunity to meet and avail of enterprise support. It will start on the evening of November 18th with some informal networking and celebrates women's enterprise with a conference, exhibition, mentor clinics and networking on Friday 19th November 2010.

This event is hosted by the County & City Enterprise Baords (CEBs) and funded under the National Development Plan (NDP) Gender Equality Division in the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and funded by the European Social Fund and the Irish Exchequer.

Delegate fee is 100. Visit www.nwed.ie for booking and further information.

NEW meeting Wednesday 29th

Fri, 24 Sep 2010 15:46:21 +0100

We have a super meeting lined up for you on Wednesday 29th September next in the Maryborough House Hotel.

This meeting is open to NEW members, or if you want to attend this meeting as a guest to see what the NEW network is all about and decide if you want to join please email ita@corkceb.ie

Septembers meeting is all about Overcoming Business Challenges in the area of on/off-line marketing and making the most of your business through Social Media. Our speakers will be focusing on low/no cost ways of marketing and promoting your businesses and you will all leave with tips that can be used going forward. As this is a huge area we have arranged a panel of speakers for the evening and we will also be hosting some small group sessions immediately before the meeting for up to 20 of you.

Our Panel of Speakers Includes:
1. Noel Davidson who will speak on using social media to overcome business challenges (at little or no cost).
Noel is a certified Apple trainer, Apple product consultant and Social media expert. Noel helps independent professionals, entrepreneurs and business owners to accelerate their profits using an integrated social marketing strategy, with particular focus on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. After many years working in both the marine leisure industries and computer, communication and technology industries Noel now combines all his experiences to deliver a customised personal training experience to individuals and businesses with QED (www.QEDtraining.ie).

2. Deirdre Waldron who will speak on non online marketing/promotion tools including PR and using advertising effectively.
Deirdre founded Fuzion in 2000 and is a Marketing Professional with over 20 years experience. Her career path took her to the UK initially working in various industries including Fashion and IT. Since returning to Ireland in the early 90s, Deirdre has worked in various industries including Tourism, Media, Print & Design. She also held the position of Marketing Director with the Rose of Tralee International Festival, which included responsibility for National and International media relations. (www.fuzion.ie)

3. Ciara Crossan (from the NEW network) who will give her experience in running Weddingdates.ie (www.weddingdates.ie)

This meeting is all about taking action. At the last meeting you were able to listen to Joan Bakers wisdom and at this meeting wed like to give you the opportunity to interact and work on your businesses.

More information from ita@corkceb.ie 021 4961828 or to join NEW the annual subscription is 60.

Autumn Training Schedule Launched

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 15:45:40 +0100

A range of training programmes for small business owners is on offer from Cork City Enterprise Board this Autumn including marketing, computerised accounts, finance, ideas generation, internet marketing and time management.

For full details go to /our-services/business-support/training-programmes-2011

Ask the Buyer at CORKMEET

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 15:44:58 +0100

ASK THE BUYER is an exciting addition to the event programme for the CORKMEET 2010 event at the Radisson Blu Hotel Cork on the 6th to 8th October.

Large companies including Janssen Pharmaceutical, Brittany Ferries, Centocor, Eircom, EMC, ESB, Musgrave Super Valu Centra Distribution, Stryker Orthopaedic, Cascade, Premiere Conferencing, Project Management and many more will be there on the 6th October to meet with a selected number of this years participants.

Participation is strictly limited and will be only open to registered companies, so register today for your chance to ASK THE BUYER and take part in Irelands biggest networking event.

Go to www.corkmeet.ie or phone 026-20520

Sign up for CORKMEET

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 15:42:52 +0100

CORKMEET takes place in the Radisson Blu Hotel in Little Island, Cork from 6-8th October 2010, and is the biggest business networking opportunity of the year. Now in its second year running, the event is funded and organised by the 4 Cork County & City Enterprise Boards & Cork County Council and organised in partnership with Cork Chamber.

For a fee of 195 per person, participants will have access to:
Wednesday 6th October: Welcome reception
Thursday 7th October: One to one pre-arranged matched meetings (up to 10 per client), lunch and a Gala Dinner
Friday 8th October: Half day business conference and lunch

The event is open to all sectors and while there will be a good mix of small to medium size enterprises, no business is too small in size to attend. Joining Cork companies at the event will be companies from around Ireland, Northern Ireland, The UK, France, Poland, Slovakia, Romania and possibly Spain and the Czech Republic.

We are using a clever matching software which pre-arranges your meetings in advance, based on the companies you want to meet with and the companies that want to meet with you.

Don't miss out on this excellent business to business networking opportunity.

For more information, visit: www.corkmeet.ie and register your interest. Our project managers will guide you through the steps involved in registering if you want to speak with them on 026-20520

Cork Craft Month 2010

Mon, 02 Aug 2010 15:44:13 +0100

Cork Craft Month 2010 is the first major programme of applied arts and craft events for Co. Cork. From Ceramicists, jewellers and textile-workers to furniture makers, sculptors and many more, Cork Craft Month brings together the very best of Cork's unique creative arts and crafts. Organised by Cork Art and Design, this programme of events is supported by Cork County and City Enterprise Boards, Cork County Council and the Crafts Council of Ireland.

Information on exhibitions, a cork craft trail and other events is available at www.corkartdesign.com

CORKMEET 2010 launch

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 15:42:07 +0100

CORKMEET 2010 official launch.
Monday, July 12th, 5.30pm in Vertigo, County Hall, Cork.

Please join us at the official launch of Ireland's Largest Business Networking Forum, CORKMEET 2010.
The 3 day networking event will facilitate up to 4,000 pre-arranged business meetings. The event will bring local, national and international companies together for a must attend event for businesses. At the launch speakers will outline practical advice on how to ensure CORKMEET 2010 can have a positive impact on your business.

We look forward to meeting you on July 12th.

RSVP to
Lorraine Kelleher on 021 4666 200 or lkelleher@hagroup.ie by Friday, July 9th
For registration information and for full details of the event which takes place on October 6th - 8th, at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Little Island, Cork visit

http://www.corkmeet.ie

http://twitter.com/CORKMEET

Women in Business Break Out of the Recession in Cork City Gaol

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 15:40:22 +0100

L-r, Sharon O' Donoghue, from catering sponsors Brook Catering, Joan Baker, Elizabeth Kearns

Members of NEW, the Cork based Network of Enterprising Women, learned how not to waste a good recession at a unique event held at Cork City Gaol on May 26th 2010.

The event, which was organized by Cork City and South Cork Enterprise Boards invited Cork Business Women to hear headline speaker Joan Baker talk about breaking out of recession. Joan is a New Zealand based entrepreneur and bestselling author ('Get Rich, Stay Rich' and 'Smart Women, Smart Money'). She encouraged businesswomen to get their business in order and be prepared for the upturn. The key things to do in recession are to make sure that your business model is right. Do you have a great product, is your service different to your competitors, and has it the potentail to generate profits. She advised that this is a good time to strip a business down and examine closely all the elements, such as costs and casflow, sales and marketing. This will prepare you to take full advantage of improved market conditions.

This was an event with a difference according to Cork City Enterprise Board Assistant CEO, Adrienne Rodgers. People left feeling motivated and positive, equipped with practical ideas on ways to drive their businesses forward and out of the recession.

Comments from members:

....The talk given was of great benefit and very positive
....I got some really useful things to think about from Joan's presentation
....The talk was in my opinion just what we needed to hear
....Joan is such a wonderful speaker and so inspirational.

To join the NEW network visit www.sceb.ie and go to the online booking section. The membership fee is 60 for 2010. Further information from ita@corkceb.ie / 021 4961828

We were delighted to hold the event at Cork City Goal, which is directed and managed by NEW member Elizabeth Kearns. www.corkcitygaol.com

Catering for the event was generously sponsored by Brook Catering.
With over 40 years experience in the Industry, Brook Catering offers a full range of catering services specialising in onsite restaurant management. Brook Catering has a dedicated Event Management Team offering bespoke tailor made events for all occasions.
www.brookcatering.com

Cork Food Forum

Thu, 20 May 2010 15:40:22 +0100

The Cork County & City Enterprise Boards are holding a FOOD FORUM seminar to highlight the opportunities that exist for local Irish Food companies. A panel of distinguished speakers has been assembled to cover a range of marketing opportunities that could be of benefit to SME food companies in these challenging times.

Wednesday June 30th Acton's Hotel, Kinsale
6-9pm

Who should attend the Food Forum?
The CORK FOOD FORUM is aimed at SME food companies, food distributors, food retailers, executives in food marketing, manufacturing and technical areas of operation in the Irish food industry.

Food Forum Topics will include:
Getting Listed - Retailer requirements from local artisan food producers.
Getting it right ï¿½ Key milestones in creating a successful new food business. Online Marketing - How to use the Internet to promote your food business via email/web/blogs/twittering/forums.

The seminar will be addressed by:
Liam Ryan, Ryan's SuperValu chain
Deirdre Hilliard, The Just Food Company, Cobh, Co. Cork (www.justfood.ie ).
Damien Mulley ï¿½ Mulley Communications, Cork city ( www.mulley.net )

Donï¿½t miss this opportunity to network with colleagues.
Entry is FREE.
This event is being joinly organised by the Cork County and City Enterprise Boards. Book now by registering via the South Cork Enterprise Board website: www.sceb.ie/online-booking / www.sceb.ie/online-booking

Download brochure

NEW networking meeting with Joan Baker

Fri, 16 Apr 2010 15:39:26 +0100

Joan Baker, Director of WealthCoaches.net will speak at the next Network of Enterprising Women (NEW) event on May 26th. With an exciting change of venue for this meeting, moving to the Historic Cork City Gaol, this promises to be a fantastic event.

Joan Baker is an Irish entrepreneur living in New Zealand. A business Consultant and best selling authour, she delivers motivational seminars and will address the topic of breaking out of the recession, at the Cork NEW event.

Joan visited Cork in 2008 when over 100 people attended a Cork City and South Cork networking event which she addressed. She is truly inspirational and those of you that had the opportunity to meet her in 2008 will know that this event is one not to be missed.

To join the NEW network visit www.sceb.ie and go to the online booking section. The membership fee is ï¿½ 60 for 2010. Further information from ita@corkceb.ie / 021 4961828

We are delighted to be holding the event at Cork City Goal on the invite of NEW member Elizabeth Kearns. Cork City Gaol is a central part of the heritage of Cork City. Located 2k n/w from Patrickï¿½s Street the magnificent castle-like building is now a major and unique visitor attraction. The Gaol once housed 19th century prisoners and stepping inside visitors are taken back in time to the 19th century.
www.corkcitygaol.com

Catering for the event has been generously sponsored by Brook Catering.
With over 40 years experience in the Industry, Brook Catering offers a full range of catering services specialising in Onsite restaurant management. Brook Catering has a dedicated Event Management Team offering bespoke tailor made events for all occasions.
www.brookcatering.com

Cork Schools Enterprise Programme

Mon, 22 Mar 2010 15:38:31 +0000

Last week saw the finals of both the Cork Schools Enterprise Programme and the Dragon's Den Competition take place.

At the Cork Schools Enterprise Programme regional finals, which took place in CIT on Friday 19th March, the team from Christ the King School with their company 'Starstruck' were the overall winners from the City. They will go on to represent Cork City Enterprise Board at the National Student Enterprise Awards taking place in Croke Park on April 27th. Regina Mundi College took prizes for the Best Stand and Best Business report on the day with their company Buzy Beez. North Presentation schools with their company Shelf Elves took the prize for innovation. Another company from North Presentation, Stick to the Stick, took the prize for best marketing and Starstruck won the best presentation award.

The Dragon's Den competition, a new initiative for Cork City Enterprise Board for 2010, took place on Monday 15th last in the Maryborough House hotel.

Senior Category winners were:

Overall winner for best businss idea was Stephen Hannon, Colaiste an Spioraid Naoimh with his pitch for the 'Lifelong Battery.' In second place were Jilly Moynihan, Niamh Casey, Aisling Long, Linda Shprunka from St. Marys Secondary School, Macroom with their Lycra sock and insole concept. In third place with a next generation console, PX, was Aaron Mc Carthy, also from Colaiste an Spioraid Naoimh.

In the Junior Category, the overal winner for best business idea was Aoife Kennelly, Regina Mundi College for her 'Toothbrush Timer' product pitch.

Discovery Zone and GEP Recruitment

Mon, 22 Mar 2010 15:37:54 +0000

Discovery Zone at Rubicon Centre

If you are among the many that aspire to starting your own business but dont know where to start, then the Discovery Zone could be just the launching pad you need.

Run as a full-time twelve week programme in the Rubicon Centre, located on campus within CIT, the Discovery Zone will harness the ability of participants as they immerse themselves in the programme.

To apply for a place on the programme, please log onto the Rubicon Centre website www.rubiconcentre.ie

Make the Right Start to your Business - Develop with the Genesis Enterprise Programme

Genesis is delighted to announce that it has now commenced recruitment for the 20010/11 Genesis Enterprise Programme which will start in May 2010. Genesis is a 12 month full time incubation programme that provides a comprehensive range of supports to innovative, knowledge-intensive start-ups to help them grow and develop into highly successful companies capable of competing in global markets.

Applications for the new 2010/11 Genesis Enterprise Programme, which commences in May 2010, can be made online at www.gep.ie. The closing date for applications is Friday 26th March 2010. For an informal and confidential discussion of your business idea and eligibility, please contact Denise Kennedy, Programme Manager, at 021.4928907 or dkennedy@gep.ie

Regional Finals of Schools Enterprise Competition

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 15:37:27 +0000

Cork Schools Enterprise Programme
Regional Finals 2010

The Regional Finals of the 2010 Cork Schools Enterprise Programme will take place as part of the CIT Innovation Day at Cork Institute of Technology on Friday 19th March.

The Cork Schools Enterprise Programme offers second level students in Cork the opportunity to set up and run their own business while still at school. Students participating on the programme take a business from the idea stage right through to completion, experiencing all the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. The Programme runs from September to May each year.
Through taking part in the programme, students get to experience all the realities and challenges involved in setting up and running a business. It offers them an invaluable opportunity to:

· Build an entrepreneurial mindset
· Learn valuable lessons from the experience of working in a team
· Apply learning in a practical way
· Explore possible career paths for the future

Regional Finals 2010

On 19th March participating students will compete against each other at the Regional Finals of the Schools Enterprise Programme, where one team from South Cork and Cork City will be selected to go forward to the National Finals in Dublin in April.

This year approximately 150 students, representing 20 mini-companies will take part in the event. The competition is judged by a panel of four local entrepreneurs and students are required to make a formal business presentation as well as setting up a display stand and undergo an interview with the judges.

Some of the projects this year include a Swine Flu prevention kit, healthy living workshops for primary school children, BPA free water bottles and a board game that teachers teens about how to be environmentally aware.

Prizes will be awarded in the following categories on the day:

· Best Innovation
· Best Marketing
· Best Business Report
· Best Display Stand
· Best Business Presentation, and
· Best Overall Company

The students who win Best Overall Company will then go forward to represent their Enterprise Board area at the National Finals in Croke Park on 27th April.

For further information contact Yvonne ONeill, Schools Co-Ordinator on 086 1537440 or email info@corkschoolsenterprise.ie

Schools face the Dragon's Den

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 15:36:30 +0000

2010 Junior Dragons Den Competition

As part of the Cork Schools Enterprise Programme, Cork City, South Cork and North Cork Enterprise Boards are pleased to announce the addition of a new student enterprise initiative to the Programme this year.

Our Junior Dragons Den competition is based on the popular TV programme and gives students the opportunity to come up with a creative and unique idea for a new business venture.

This competition is open to students from 1st year to 6th year and comprises of two categories Junior Category and Senior Category.

Almost 50 entries were received and a total of 7 teams have been shortlisted in the Junior Category and 15 teams in the Senior Category.

The finalists and will now go forward to pitch their business ideas at the live final which takes place on Monday 15th March in the Maryborough House Hotel in Douglas.

Our panel of Dragons is as follows:

· Victoria Shorten, Powermedia
· Pat Lynch, Compliance and Risks
· JJOConnell, Plato Ireland
· Colette Quinn, Real Insights

The prize for overall winners in both categories is a state-of-the-art Netbook or alternatively vouchers to the same value to share between team members.

For more information contact Yvonne ONeill, Schools Co-Ordinator on 086 1537440 or email info@corkschoolsenterprise.ie

Enterprise Month

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 15:35:50 +0000

Cork Enterprise Month Officially Launched Celebrating Entrepreneurship & Enterprise in Cork

On Friday 26th February, Cork Enterprise Month, a joint collaboration of the four Enterprise Boards in Cork County and City, was officially launched by Minister for Trade and Commerce, Billy Kelleher TD.

Cork Enterprise Month, which will run throughout March, is being organised to highlight and celebrate the comprehensive range of Cork County & City Enterprise Board (CEBï¿½s) initiatives in Cork this March and beyond. A range of activities and events will promote and encourage entrepreneurship and innovation and help micro-enterprises thrive and develop in this new economic reality.

Speaking at the launch, Minister for Trade and Commerce, Billy Kelleher TD said ï¿½It is very encouraging to see the pro-active approach of Cork County & City Enterprise Boards involved in organising Cork Enterprise Month. So much happens throughout the year in association with the CEBs, but it is great to actually stop and take account of all the activities and events that take place which nurture entrepreneurial spirit.ï¿½

One of the core activities during month will be the diverse range of Business Training Programmes and Seminars, providing Cork based micro-enterprises with relevant, high quality and highly subsidised training, covering an extremely wide variety of business topics. These training programmes range from one day seminars, to 8 week programmes and 9 month management development programmes, all of which are a vital component in developing the business skills of Cork owner/managers and entrepreneurs.

Cork Enterprise Month also celebrates the next generation of Cork Entrepreneurs with a number of activities and events being organised by the CEBï¿½s in association with Second and Third Level Institutions throughout the County and City. Third level events taking place this March include: CIT Innovation Day; CIT Accelerating Campus Entrepreneurship; and Innov8@UCC Week.

For Second Level students, the CEBï¿½s run a Cork Schools Enterprise Programme that gives students the opportunity to set up and manage their own business and compete at the regional finals and the National Finals. The Programme aims to nurture innovation and entrepreneurship. Cork Enterprise Month will see the regional finals of the Cork Schools Enterprise Programme taking place throughout the County and City. The winners of these regional heats will go on to represent their local Enterprise Board and their school at the National Finals in Dublin in April.

Over the past number of years, networking has become a vital ingredient to the success of all businesses and the CEBï¿½s have been at the forefront of assisting businesses to encourage and develop this skill. In March a number of Networking Events will take place through organisations set up by or in association with the CEBï¿½s. The events are designed as a cost effective means to connect like minded business people in an environment that is very conducive to developing new business leads and sales. Some of the events are even free to attend and just require you and your business card.

Various Entrepreneurship Platforms will also be highlighted throughout Cork Enterprise Month, including Green Shoots and the Genesis Enterprise Programme, where start up businesses can be assisted in the crucial development stage and at a time when many businesses need the most help. The CEBï¿½s, through these various programmes, can accelerate business development through rapid incubation programmes which include business mentoring, provision of business address and/or office facilities, as well as a wide range of other very relevant and necessary support for business start ups.

Activities and events like these take place 12 months of the year, but in March, Cork Enterprise Month will give a flavour of the ongoing level of enterprise and entrepreneurial activity that the CEBï¿½s engage in on an ongoing basis. For further information on all of the events and activities taking place throughout the month and beyond visit www.corkenterpriseboards.ie or contact your local Enterprise Board.

Cork County & City Enterprise Boards are funded under Ireland's EU Structural Funds Programme 2007-2013 with funding from the Exchequer and the European Regional Development Fund.

Dave Cody, Cork CEB, Sean O' Sullivan, South Cork CEB, Joan Kelleher, North Cork CEB, Minister for Trade and Commerce, Billy Kelleher TD and Christine Heffernan, West Cork CEB.

A full list of events is available to download Cork Enterprise Month

M.V. Julia's inaugural sailing to Swansea.

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 15:33:38 +0000

Excitement is building ashore and on board as the launch date (lst March 2010) of the inaugural sailing from Cork to Swansea aboard the impressive MV Julia approaches.

Stakeholders, tourism bodies, small businesses, the Irish diaspora, and the public at large are logging on to the Fastnet Lineï¿½s website on a daily basis checking out the offers available and, according to Tom Barrett Chief Executive of Fastnet Line, sailing bookings are now topping 1,200 confirmed bookings with 2 out of 3 bookings coming from the UK market.

ï¿½The service expects to enjoy strong demand from both tourist and freight customers on both sides of the Irish Sea. Fastnet Line believes that it will contribute greatly to the development and promotion of tourism in the south and sustain more than 1,000 jobs. The service is worth more than ï¿½50 million annually to the local economy. We look forward to welcoming passengers aboard our fantastic ship and providing a relaxing and efficient route between the South West of Ireland and the UKï¿½.

Mr. Barrett went on to outline the cost-effective packages available to families in particular, with their current on-line offer, with children travelling free and special fares for bookings before the end of January, subject to certain conditions. ï¿½Freight carriers and groups too, are well catered for, and with the upcoming St. Patrickï¿½s Day holiday, Easter and Cheltenham Races, and The Ryder Cup and Glastonbury Festival later on in the year. This is a great opportunity to sail away on a mini-cruise and explore new horizons in the greater Swansea area, or head on to London which is just 3 hours on the M4 from the ferry port in Swanseaï¿½ he said.

He also stressed that, on the flip side, UK visitors can pop over to Cork and the South West to ï¿½enjoy our gorgeous scenery, excellent hotel and guesthouse rates and unique shopping experiences. This region is renowned for its sailing, walking tours in the Cork and Kerry region, excellent surfing and a reputation for the best in Irish food. With several events and festivals throughout the region including the West Cork Rally (St. Patrickï¿½s Weekend), Baltimore Heritage Festival in April, West Cork Walking Festival in May and down the line this area has so much to offer with Live at the Marquee and Cork Week sailing in June and July and so many more festivals running throughout the year. All this contributed to tourism in the area which benefits all of usï¿½.

As the service counts down to its date of departure, the crew of the MV Julia are going full steam ahead in preparing the vessel for its seaward journeys, working closely with health and safety bodies, local suppliers and its many supporters in ensuring that everything goes to plan. Mr. Barrett told us: ï¿½MV Julia is a comfortable, sturdy and seaworthy passenger/car ferry. It is well capable of providing a year-round service, and is backed by a team of industry professionals who have sailed the seven seas in vessels such as this. We are looking forward to welcoming people aboard for an enjoyable and safe trip to and from Swansea.ï¿½

For further information or to arrange an interview with The Fastnet Line personnel please call:

Mary Hopkins/Judy Hopkins
Hopkins Communications Cork
00 353 21 4272200; 00 353 87 2540804 (cellphone).
mary@hopkinscommunications.ie

NEW Network February Meeting

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 15:33:38 +0000

Cork City and South Cork Enterprise Board, have been operating the sucessful Women in Business Network as a joint initiative over the last number of years. Relaunched as NEW (Network of Enterprising Women) in 2009, it is a dynamic and vibrant network of Enterprising Women.

NEW
NEW is a positive opportunity for Cork businesswomen to make effective business contacts, develop new ideas and to be inspired and motivated by interactions with fellow members and by the inspirational speakers at meetings. Dont miss the opportunity to become a member of NEW in 2010. NEW meets for four events per year. Further information from ita@corkceb.ie

Become a Member
Annual Membership for NEW is highly subsidised at ï¿½60 per member. This includes access to 4 key events annually and much more! Simply click here to access our Online Booking and Application for NEW Membership. Online Booking

2010 will offer a vibrant programme of 4 events including inspirational speakers and many networking and promotional opportunities.

Our first meeting for 2010 which takes place on Wednesday February 17th is a speednetworking event.

Member Benefits

Meet with like minded business women
Opportunity to hear high profile business people
Develop new contacts
Fantastic Promotional Opportunities
Enhance and develop your skills set
Generate new business leads
Valuable networking opportunities

2009 Events:

February - Official launch of NEW with speaker Nicola Byrne
May - Speednetworking event
September - 'What does the future hold for the Irish female entrepreneur' topic discussed by a panel of leading business women
November - Speaker, Mary Ann O' Brien, Lily O' Brien's Chocolates