Citation
(2002), "Ireland sets up mentoring scheme for young firms", Journal of European Industrial Training, Vol. 26 No. 6. https://doi.org/10.1108/jeit.2002.00326fab.005
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2002, MCB UP Limited
Ireland sets up mentoring scheme for young firms
Ireland sets up mentoring scheme for young firms
The Irish Government has launched a public-private partnership to improve enterprise skills.
Ernst & Young is responsible for the design and content of the so-called "Excellerator" programme, which seeks to fill the specific skill and knowledge gaps identified among entrepreneurs by Enterprise Ireland and Shannon Development, the other two partners in the scheme.
Excellerator has created a group of "champions", comprising some of Ireland's leading business people, to act as mentors to companies which are:
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beyond incubation, export-focused and preparing to grow quickly;
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aged 12-18 months or older, with a turnover of e1 million plus, employing 15 or more staff; and
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in the knowledge or manufacturing activities of informatics, health and life sciences, digital media or e-business.
Entrepreneurs in the Excellerator community will have access to:
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bi-monthly round-table discussions about the drivers of growth, at which the entrepreneur "champions" will share their practical experiences in areas such as business strategy and expansion, operating strategies and infrastructure, capital and funding, managing the business and talent, and wealth building and retention;
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regular breakfast briefings with guest speakers on burning business topics and management issues, such as "managing your company in a downturn";
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an annual strategic planning and networking forum for members, business influencers and investors;
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practical, interactive, facilitated workshops to help the entrepreneurs and management team to review, diagnose and challenge their companies' actions to drive growth and value;
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a password-protected Web knowledge channel exclusively for members of the Excellerator community, which will include access to articles, case studies and a forum to network with other members online.
Excellerator is expected to have between 150 and 200 members by the end of the year.