KNOWLEDGE NORTH WEST PROGRAMME NOW RECRUITING
By James Donlon, July 3, 2006
KNOWLEDGE NORTH WEST Programme - Development and Growth through Cross Border Trade Relationships
We are delighted to announce that the KNOWLEDGE NORTH WEST Programme will be continuing for a further two years.
The programme, which is funded by Co-operation Ireland, aims to assist SME’s in the Border Region to develop and grow through cross-border trade relationships.
Aims and Objectives
The aims and objectives of the Knowledge North West Programme are as follows:
ˇ To increase the knowledge and enhance the skills of SME’s to develop and grow through cross-border trade relationships and international market development
ˇ To stimulate the development of innovative cross-border opportunities for businesses
ˇ To increase opportunities for companies selling complimentary ranges of products on a cross-border basis
ˇ To increase participant companies knowledge of large scale procurement contracts
ˇ To increase the capacity and widen the scope of micro enterprises and SME’s leading to additional employment and consolidation of existing jobs and related economic and social benefits to the local communities.
Structure
The enterprises will benefit from a combination of one-to-one guidance and support, cluster guidance and support, group training (for promoters, managers and staff) and joint actions such as co-operative marketing or purchasing initiatives. The enterprises will also be given the opportunity to attend a large All Ireland Networking event during the programme. In addition, in cases where companies are expanding or carrying out R&D programmes, the programme will assist them identifying the most appropriate finance sources to fund these activities.
Who will benefit from the programme?
Businesses in the North West Region who want to increase their level of cross border trade and develop international markets.
What the programme will provide?
ˇ 8 group training sessions on topics relevant to your business and its future development
ˇ 12 staff training sessions relating to general issues facing staff of SMEs
ˇ Networking with other businesses North & South
ˇ 3 individual mentor sessions with experienced and expert mentors
ˇ 4 cluster mentor sessions with other similar companies and experienced and expert mentors
ˇ Assistance with participation/attendance at large networking event
ˇ Direction to finance for development of cross-border markets, processes or research and development activities
Further Information:
Companies in Republic of Ireland please contact:
Aideen Brennan
WESTBIC
Business Development Centre
Letterkenny Institute of Technology
Port Road
Letterkenny
Co. Donegal
Tel: + 353 (0) 74 9186770
Fax: + 353 (0) 74 9186771
Email: abrennan@westbic.ie
Companies in Northern Ireland please contact:
Eilish Devlin
WORKSPACE
The Business Centre
Draperstown
Co. Derry BT45 7AG
Tel: +44 (0) 28 7962 8113
Fax: +44 (0) 28 7962 8975
Email: eilish.devlin@workspace.org.uk
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