Thirty entrepreneurs will be selected to take part in an initial short programme, which will equip them with the skills and knowledge to make rapid progress on their idea.
Starting with a one day ‘Entrepreneurial Bootcamp’, our delivery team will work with you on defining your value proposition, understanding your customers and markets and assessing your competition.
This phase of support will be delivered across a five week period in the form of five workshops, (two Saturdays and three midweek evening sessions). When applying for the programme please be aware attendance at all workshops is compulsory. Please also note there is no financial support for attending or participating in Phase 1 of the programme.
Each workshop will take place in Belfast, on the following dates:
| Date | Time | Workshop title | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday 4th June | 09.30 - 17:00 | Entrepreneurs Boot camp | Stormont Hotel Belfast |
| Thursday 9th June | 17:30 - 21:00 | Market Focus | Stormont Hotel Belfast |
| Thursday 16th June | 17:30 - 21:00 | Revenue Models | Stormont Hotel Belfast |
| Thursday 23rd June | 17:30 - 21:00 | Product Validation - The Proof of Concept Test | Stormont Hotel Belfast |
| Saturday 2nd July | 09.30 - 17:00 | Gap Analysis and Pitching for Investment | Stormont Hotel Belfast |
Each session will require you to implement the learning, with agreed deliverables which will help you develop your idea rapidly. You will be expected to allocate time and resources during the following week to implement the learning from the previous session. All workshops are scheduled to allow you to continue working, or studying, while you put more time into your business. At the end of the programme you will present your business as a candidate for Phase 2 (please be aware this is a competitive process).
Candidates who wish to advance to Phase 2 will have to demonstrate significant progress and commitment during Phase 1. Only businesses which are truly innovative and hold significant export and growth potential will be supported beyond this initial phase. All participants from Phase 1 will be asked to present their idea in detail, and share their business plan to our Venture Panel to secure progress to the second stage of the programme. This will be a competitive process and successful candidates in Phase 2 will receive an initial seed investment, including a salary grant, market development, and expert help.
