Do you want to join an accelerator (a learning and mentoring programme), compete for funding and fast-track your business startup or growth? Check out what’s available in NI.
Updated: 04/03/15
Growing Startups
This programme is offering £10,000, mentoring and workspace to startups based in NW Ireland.
http://www.growingstartups.com/
CSIT
This is a new incubator programme specifically designed for cyber-security startups. This paid programme incorporates an excellent package of support which includes coworking space.
Star II Programme
This programme is open to Retail, Hospitality, Tourism or Professional Services sectors.
There is an information night on 26 November.
AIB Startup Academy
“The eleven successful applicants will receive expert mentoring from AIB and a selection of media and business experts, in preparation to compete for the programme grand prize which has an estimated value of around €250,000. This prize pot includes a €20k cash investment for the overall winner as well as an advertising and mentorship package for each runner-up.”
There is an information night on 17 November.
Start Planet NI
We’ve only just heard about StartPlanetNI’s launch, which happened on 03 September.
Funded by £2.6 million from InvestNI, they accepted applications up until late September. Successful candidates will attend a 3-month programme, based in Revolution BFS 112DonegallSt, an accelerator and coworking space in Belfast, and will have access to a global network. They will be able to pitch to win between £15,000 and £40,000 each, and may stay on for a further six months in the space free of charge.
Entrepreneurial Spark
Entpreneurial Spark is a Scottish invention doing the rounds of the UK. It’s Belfast’s turn. Applications are currently open to pitch for a space on their impressive 6-month programme of mentoring, support and training.
I pitched WabiSabi to the Entrepreneurial Spark guys last Thursday and heard on Saturday that I won a place on their programme that starts in February. While we’ll be continuing to work away on the next stages of the business, it’s great to know we’ll have that support and learning coming into the new year.
Propel
The Propel Programme is aimed at businesses with the capacity to export and internationally. It offers up to £20,000 as well as mentoring and workspace.
Applications are open until 16 October.
Startdoms
While this accelerator is based in England, it offers remote support to entrepreneurs from NI.
We investigated securing a place in their programme, but since it’s focused on tech and high-growth potential ventures, it did not really suit us.
Check them out and let us know how you get on.
She is also a Partner at Sensei.ie, the parent business of the WabiSabi project, and Managing Editor at Aletheia.Travel.