PROGRAMME BENEFITS
The prime focus of LEAP is to provide resources and training complimented by business coaching and mentoring to instill confidence in entrepreneurs to form a business to exploit innovative business ideas while ensuring that the business is focused on market needs. In this regard, this EPP Programme offers assistance designed to meet the requirements of potential entrepreneurs. These include:
- Access to office resources including shared office facility in LIT’s Enterprise Acceleration Centre, broadband access, managed print facility and meeting room facilities including video-conferencing on campus and LIT library.
- 20 Days of intensive training workshops, delivered by academics, experts and consultants, on business set-up, management and development.
- Individual business coaching provided by experienced programme manager, Graham Royce.
- Each participant is assigned a business mentor under Enterprise Ireland's Mentor Programme.
- Introductions to a support network of mentors, venture capitalists and other support agencies.
- Funding may be provided to participants by Enterprise Ireland under the CORD Programme in the form of a total package of 50% of previous year’s verifiable (P60/P45) salary up to a maximum €38,000 for one year. Funding is available under CORD for: market research; product trials/ market assessment; establishing links with potential joint venture partners; cost analysis and financial projections subject to meeting Enterprise Ireland criteria. Further information is available at www.enterprise-ireland.com - Seven of the ten LEAP 2007 participants secured this CORD support.
- Participation at Mid West Entrepreneur Showcase. A very successful event was held during Limerick City Business Week in 2007.
- End of Year Business Plan Competition.
