IN A collaboration with the Enterprise Boards, and the Market Trustees, Limerick Institute of Technology’s recently launched a new programme for 3rd level students called MarketLink which offers an opportunity for participants to learn about and experience the real world of small business in Ireland. The new programme will assist students working in teams of five to manage a market stall in Limerick City this Sunday.
“Limerick Institute of Technology is delighted to introduce this innovative programme which will foster the inherent entrepreneurial capabilities of our students,” according to Dr Maria Hinfelaar, President of LIT. “MarketLink is a new eight week multidisciplinary careers, innovation and entrepreneurship programme which is being offered by the Department of Business, Careers and the Enterprise Acceleration Centre. It consists of a series of six core workshops of three hours which provide participants with an overview and appreciation of the fundamentals of small business. The workshops focus on the importance and practicalities of Market Research, Sales and preparation of a business plan. LIT is very well placed to introduce this programme building on our expertise in managing an incubation facility on campus and delivering the LEAP programme for start-up entrepreneurs. A key ingredient of this programme is that successful local entrepreneurs and SME Managers will attend the workshops to meet, present and engage in a question and answer sessions with participants.”
A Shannon Consortium initiative, MarketLink is supported by the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) and has secured matching financial support from the City and County Enterprise Boards in Clare and Limerick. Limerick Market Trustees are a key external partner in the programme. The programme kicked off in early October, with 40 students studying courses to include Biotechnology, Software Development, Art & Design, Business & Finance, Marketing & Management and Construction Management undertaking the inaugural programme. Further information online www.lit.ie/marketlink.
Referring to the importance of preparing 3rd level students for the world of work and helping them to explore the possibilities of starting a business, Ned Toomey, added that entrepreneurial skills are required by all employers across all business sectors.
“MarketLink is a positive example of how the Enterprise Boards can work with the vibrant 3rd level education sector in the Mid-West to further enhance the employability of students with future benefits for Ireland Inc.”
Tony Scott, Project Manager, Limerick Market Trustees said that the Riverside Market on Bedford Row provides the ideal avenue for students to live a unique retail experience.
“Limerick Market Trustees are also delighted to get actively involved in MarketLink and we issue an open invitation to everyone in Limerick to meet all our Market Traders in the Riverside Market on Bedford Row every Sunday but especially this Sunday when the MarketLink participants will have their stalls.
Announcing MarketLink, LIT’s new entrepreneurship programme for students are l-r: Tony Scott, Limerick Market Trustees; Dr Maria Hinfelaar, President, LIT; Eamonn Kelly, CEO, Clare County Enterprise Board; and Donncha Hughes, Enterprise Acceleration Centre Manager, LIT. – Photo: Kieran Clancy / Picsure
