Startups sought for Propel Programme

by Startacus Admin

If you need investment, free work space, mentoring, expert workshops, & pitching opportunities, but don’t want to part with any equity or cash, then this opportunity could be for you.
 

The Propel Programme

Northern Ireland’s government investment body Invest NI is on the hunt for high-growth potential startups with an export focus to join their 2015 / 2016 Propel Programme.

Whilst you do not need to be currently based in Northern Ireland to be considered for the programme, but you do need to be willing to establish your business within Northern Ireland if successful.

This programme, which has been running for many successful years, is intended to aid the creation of jobs within the region, and grow export opportunities to the rest of the UK, Ireland, and further afield.  It includes substantial financial support of up to £20K and helps to accelerate the best businessideas through a proven methodology.  

By the end of the programme the expectation will be that you are able topitch for investmentand do business internationally.

Diverse Startups Sought

The great thing about this programme (aside from the fact that it's totally free) is that it's open to startups from any market or industry; whether it's a digital innovation, a food manufacturer, or a medical technology disruptor all applications are accepted and judged on their potential!   

For example the most recent cohort of 33 businesses has included such diverse startups as a weight loss device, online publishing, scientific instrumentation, fashion and consumer products.   

What is Included?

The main benefits of being involved in the Propel Programme are;

• Up to £20,000 financial support.
• A series of 12 expert-led training workshops.
• One-to-one mentoring support from experienced international entrepreneurs.
• Assistance with creating an investor-ready business plan.
• A spot at an investor pitch event
• Free shared work space.
• Support to make overseas market visits.
• Networking opportunities.
• The opportunity to work alongside other ambitious startups 

Who Can Apply?

In order to be considered for the Propel Programme, you need to fulfil the following criteria;

• If successful, you must establish your business within Northern Ireland
• A CEO or founder of the business must be the one to participate in the programme
• The business idea must be innovative
• If already established it must have been trading for less than 2 years
• If the business isn’t trading yet it must be at least at  prototype stage capable of commercialisation within the next 6-9 months

A full rundown of the necessary criteria can be found here!

The deadline for applications to the Propel programme is 12pm on Friday 06 November, so make a move now to avoid missing out.  Find out more and make an application.

Also read our interviews with Propel alumni Harch Wood Couture, Receet Shopping App, and Sixty-5 Agricultural Solutions, for some real-life insight into the programme.  And check out some of the participant videos below for a little inspiration!

 

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Published on: 29th October 2015