STIMULATING AND SUPPORTING NEW BUSINESS IN IRELAND

WESTBIC awarded international training accreditation for HP Micro-enterprise Acceleration Programme (MAP)

By James Donlon, February 1, 2006

WESTBIC was recently awarded international training accreditation for the delivery of the Hewlett Packard Micro-enterprise Acceleration Programme (MAP). This training programme is offered in 11 countries worldwide where trainers selected in each participating country successfully completed a comprehensive training programme. It is expected the programme will be available in several languages. The MAP objective is to provide people with access to greater social and economic opportunities by closing the gap between technology-empowered and technology-excluded individuals or companies.

As a lead-in to the IT aspects of the HP-MAP, WESTBIC designed and delivered an entrepreneurial training programme, providing training and mentoring in various areas of business development between May and November 2005. As a follow-up, a ‘Smart Technology for a Smarter Business’ Programme is being developed by a consortium of IT professionals based in the U.S. This programme is a highly practical training curriculum that enables small business owners and managers to build a smarter business based on available technology. Unique in its design and delivery, it is developed under sponsorship by Hewlett Packard. Unlike traditional training experiences that focus on either technology or business, this programme targets the integration of both. Problems and solutions are presented using virtual case studies brought to life, enabling participants to truly connect with and gain practical experiences from the learning experience.

This unique programme uses experiential learning techniques that engage participants in group and individual discussion, exploration and hands-on simulation-based activities. The multifaceted training approach, combined with a practical, problem-based introduction to technology in business, provides a unique and enjoyable learning experience. Participants will be equipped to instantly put technology to use in their businesses aimed at giving them a competitive edge.