STIMULATING AND SUPPORTING NEW BUSINESS IN IRELAND

NEW INTERNATIONALISATION NETWORK TO SUPPORT THE SME SECTOR

By Joan Fahey, October 27, 2010

A new European Business Support Network has been established with the aim of assisting innovative start-ups and SMEs to build a presence across international markets and expand their business network in Europe. WIN ATLANTIC (Western Internationalisation Network in the Atlantic Area) provides enhanced networking opportunities to companies located in the participating regions and supports them in the internationalisation of their businesses.

The advantages to network members include the opportunity to receive pilot funding to attend and participate in pre-approved regional, national and international events, networking opportunities, assistance in accessing funding resources, access to market players, access to multinationals and venture capitalists, access to information essential for businesses entering the international market.

"The event provided invaluable information as to future trends in the industry and new technologies that are becoming available. We formed initial contact/relationships with potential new suppliers and trade partners." SMARTHEAT, Ireland

WIN ATLANTIC is funded by the EU through the INTERREG IVB (Atlantic Area) Programme and has partners in France, Spain, Portugal, Ireland and the UK. To date, 31 SMEs have received funding support to attend several international fairs and network events to make progress with their internationalisation activities.

“WIN Atlantic's support came at a crucial moment in our international expansion. Our presence at the Eurotech Showcase event catapulted our U.S. development plans and gave us the contacts we needed to bring our business to the U.S. market.” DYB,France

Membership to the WIN ATLANTIC network is free to companies who meet the qualifying criteria. If you are interested in joining WIN Atlantic, or learning more about how your business can benefit through the network you can contact Michael Ward at WESTBIC Business & Innovation Centre, Roscommon Business Park, Racecourse Road, Roscommon, Tel: 090-6625196, Email: mward@westbic.ie, or log on to http://www.winatlantic.com where online registration is available.