1st October 2007

Millennium Theatre to host Mid West Entrepreneur Showcase

October 4th 2007

‘The Mid West Entrepreneur Showcase will showcase the strength of new business innovation in the Mid-West region and the breadth of supports available in Ireland for start-ups. It will bring together entrepreneurs, investors, business advisors and those thinking of setting up a business.’

This is according to Donncha Hughes, Enterprise Acceleration Centre announcing details of the Mid West Entrepreneur Showcase which takes place in the Millennium Theatre, Limerick Institute of Technology on the 4th October next. LIT is delighted to host this free open invite event as part of Limerick City Business Week, which takes place during the first week of October. Donncha added that while funding remains a significant issue for start ups he declared that the range of options available to entrepreneurs in Ireland has never been better:

“There is no doubt that the best source of funding for any business is turnover or sales to customers. The reality is that if the business concept is good enough and the promoter or team of promoters is sufficiently committed then the funding targets will be reached. Investors who can see future sales and a return on their investment will be prepared to invest. The recent changes to the Business Expansion Scheme are indicative of the positive environment for business set-up in Ireland. The highlight of the Mid West Entrepreneur Showcase is a half day seminar entitled ‘Funding for New and Established Start Ups’ which features a superb line up of speakers, who will share their expertise and experience of funding start up companies.”

Dr Maria Hinfelaar, Director of Limerick Institute of Technology who will chair the half day seminar added that a thriving entrepreneurial economy can deliver a range of economic, regional and social benefits for Ireland. Citing a recently published report on Entrepreneurship in Ireland in 2006, she said that Ireland remains one of the foremost countries in the EU in terms of entrepreneurship.

“The Global Entrepreneurship Monitor Report 2006 for Ireland found that 7.4% of the adult population living in Ireland is actively planning or have recently established a new business. It also reports that 44% of Irish adults perceive that there are good opportunities to establish a new business at present, 50% also believe that they have the necessary skills to successfully establish and run a business. Limerick Institute of Technology is determined to ensure that our on-campus incubator, the Enterprise Acceleration Centre, plays a key role in supporting entrepreneurs and start-up enterprises in the region. This is our key motivation to host the Mid West Entrepreneur Showcase on the 4th October.”

Mr Hughes concluded that Limerick Institute of Technology is preparing for a bumper attendance to this open invite event. The showcase features exhibits by clients of the Enterprise Acceleration Centre; companies recently established in the Mid-West; and organisations who support entrepreneurs in the region.  He added that attendees can also book 20 minute tours of the Enterprise Acceleration Centre on the day.

“The half day seminar takes place in the Millennium Theatre. The Showcase will be hosted in the foyer of the Theatre providing a relaxing location for attendees to meet real entrepreneurs. For companies with funding requirements the day will provide valuable insights on the latest options available. For potential entrepreneurs it is a fantastic opportunity to meet people and teams who are making the journey of setting up and growing their business and also to network with people who work with the agencies who can help them as they take their own journey. All are welcome.”

There is no charge to attend the Mid West Entrepreneur Showcase which takes place in the Millennium Theatre on the 4th October next. However, attendees must book their place to facilitate smooth planning of the event. Full details of speakers and topics are available online. Simply browse to the Events page of the Enterprise Acceleration Centre website email eac@lit.ie to view brochure and to use our email booking facility.

The speakers and topics for the seminar “Funding for New and Established Start Ups”: