FUNDING ANNOUNCED FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

THERE has been a widespread welcome for the launch of a specific €300m lending fund for small and medium-sized firms by the European Investment Bank (EIB).
The fund will be distributed through a number of the commercial banks and is available at rates below current lending rates to business.

Also Invest Northern Ireland yesterday announced that a new suite of initiatives to support start-up and early stage businesses in Northern Ireland will be open for applications from 1 May. The support includes a £5 million venture fund element to focus on seed and early stage businesses, typically investing from £50,000 to £250,000. A £3 million proof of concept fund will provide funding to very early, non-university projects.

IQ360's Novation Enterprise Platform Programme 2009 Support for Start ups - Open for Applications

The Novation EPP is the Country's Leading Enterprise Development Programme for those setting up or developing a technology business.
Based in the Regional Development Centre in DkIT the programme offers a comprehensive range of supports for entrepreneurs starting Knowledge Based, ICT, Renewable Energy and High Tech businesses.
Applications are now open for the ninth programme starting in September 09. Visit http://www.rdc.ie/cms/publish/article_64.shtml for more information and to apply on-line.
Or send me a message if you have any questions
Thanks
Joanne

Are you thinking about starting an innovative technology focused business or re-locating your existing business?

Perhaps you are fed up with commuting long distances to and from work each day?

Would you like to locate your business in a particularly beautiful and accessible part of Ireland midway along the economic corridor between Belfast and Dublin?

IQ360 enterprise supports can accelerate the success of your business - explore and enjoy the IQ360 website, http://www.iq360.eu and contact us in Newry or Dundalk for more information.

Anyone Interested in setting up a knowledge based business?

Hi, my name is Joanne and I am the Project Co-Ordinator of new initiative called the IQ360 Programme. This programme aims to attract graduate expatriates, ‘would be’ entrepreneurs and daily commuters from Counties South Down, Armagh and Louth with innovative ‘knowledge’ based businesses or ideas in sectors such as Creative Media, Engineering, ICT, Renewable Energy, Software and Assistive Living.

Check out the website http://www.iq360.eu for more information on the support services available or you can send me a message if you have any questions.

Thanks