Limerick Institute of Technology have launched their annual recruitment drive for the LEAP programme, an intensive 12 month milestone driven business development programme designed to support men and women entrepreneurs in their quest to establish growth oriented companies which deliver innovative products and services.
“Building on our track record of success in our first three years, the LEAP programme is gearing up for its fourth intake of entrepreneurs. Limerick Institute of Technology recently received confirmation of funding to run the programme again in 2010/1. Closing date for applications is 15th March with a programme commencement date of Monday, 24th May following the formal interview stage in mid April.”
This is according to Graham Royce, Manager of the LEAP – Limerick Enterprise Acceleration Platform – Programme speaking following a recent meeting of the Advisory Board of the Enterprise Acceleration Centre where he provided an update to the Board on the first three years of LEAP. Graham added that:
“Our experience over the first three years of LEAP is that the programme offers 12 months of unparalleled supports for entrepreneurs at such a critical stage. The model has been proven to work. The combination of group training and networking, one to one supports, business plan reviews and access to finance in addition to a base for each company in the Enterprise Acceleration Centre has proved to be a very powerful support for participant companies. Some high profile successes in 2009 include: Cauwill Technology scooping 1st prize worth €100,000 in the Emerging Category in the InterTradeIreland Seedcorn competition and CoClarity being awarded a prize of €10,000; Pedigree Cattle secured €50,000 from the Dragons; Off We Go won first prize of an advertising and communications package worth €15,000 in the 4FM and Sunday Business Post start up business competition ‘Doing it For Themselves’; while several companies have secured significant private investment. All the companies on LEAP have achieved their own milestones in terms of winning contracts with beta customers. A recent analysis highlights that of the 37 people who participated on LEAP over the first three years that there are now 30 sustainable businesses employing approximately 62 people.”
Mr Royce added that the key ingredient that LEAP offers is challenging LEAP participants to clarify their product offering to work out why someone will buy from them and not their competitors.
Dr Maria Hinfelaar, President of Limerick Institute of Technology, stated that the LEAP programme and the Enterprise Acceleration Centre are focal points to support Mid-West entrepreneurs and start up companies within the context of the Institute’s remit to contribute to the economic development of the Mid West region.
“Given the significant investment by Enterprise Ireland in business incubation facilities across Ireland, soft supports provided by programmes such as LEAP are essential to deliver value for the Irish economy by assisting start ups to develop and grow. A key measure of success is the ability of these new start-ups to win the sales that will make their businesses profitable. Over the longer term this will create the platform for job creation in the region. LIT in 2010 will place greater focus in supporting our companies to establish international trade relationships. This builds on the success of two participants on this year’s LEAP programme Edware and ManageCO2 who participated on a trade delegation to Jacksonville, Florida organised by Atlantic Way. The trade visit was very successful in identifying opportunities for all the companies involved. The other key aspect of the LEAP programme is the support provided on a practical level to participants by the Enterprise Boards in Clare, Limerick City and County and by the Mid-West office of Enterprise Ireland.”
Mr Royce concluded that the LEAP programme is an intensive year long programme designed to facilitate high calibre candidates who possess enthusiasm, confidence and determination and who wish to commit full-time to get a business going.
“We are asking men and women entrepreneurs who have an innovative idea for a product, technology or service with growth potential to apply for LEAP if they are prepared to spend 12 months on a dedicated programme designed to support and challenge them to develop an investor ready business plan and build a sustainable, profitable business. The 2007, 2008 and 2009 programmes have attracted superb promoters and teams operating across a range of sectors.”
Candidates will need to apply by 15th March 2010 with interviews a week later. The application form and full details are available on www.leap.ie .”
Graham Royce, LEAP programme manager and Donncha Hughes, EAC Manager will be available to meet with prospective candidates for a confidential chat prior to the closing date for applications.
At the launch of the 4th LEAP programme, LIT’s business and management development programme, were from left: Ned Toomey, CEO, Limerick County Enterprie Board; Jerry Moloney, Regional Director, Enterprise Ireland; Dr. Maria Hinfelaar,, Presdient LIT; Eamonn Ryan, CEO Limercik City Enterprise Board and Graham Royce, LEAP Programme Manager.
