£10,000 being made available to local entrepreneurs

Growing Startups is an intensive 12 week programme, that combines seed capital with a blended learning environment which will provide entrepreneurs and wantrapreneurs with the skills, knowledge and resources to develop their ideas.

The investors in the programme are also hands on mentors, who are willing to lend one- on-one support to get these ideas off the ground.

The purpose of the programme is to create an ecosystem that will encourage more new companies in the region, and equip them with the tools to succeed.

Applications are encouraged from all industries. Over the course of 12 weeks, the companies will be given the space and time to develop or build prototypes before pitching to a range of follow on investors and support organisations.

Programme Founder, Tony McIntyre said: “We are excited to launch Growing Startups, which will give new local companies a great chance to succeed.

“Working in an intense accelerator environment will help nurture these startups, give them the chance to grow and benefit from the knowledge and expertise of the investors we have pooled together.”

Programme Manager Connor Doherty added: “We’re on the hunt for passionate people with great ideas, ready to take the leap into starting their own business. We’re looking for companies that are very early stage, but have potential to scale. Then, over the course for 12 weeks, we’re going to work intensively to help shape these companies and put them in front of a range of support organisations and other funding options.

“Entrepreneurs will not only benefit from the seed capital and support, but also from a wealth of experience of the mentors and the great co-working space.”

Applications are open until March 18 with the 12 week programme kicking off on April 4. If you, or someone you know is interested in applying, visit the website at growingstartups.com

Also, if you’re interested in investing and mentoring the companies, get in touch at [email protected]