Programme ‘propels’ 60 businesses to success
Since its inception in 2009 the Invest Northern Ireland Propel Programme has helped 60 local companies gain over £6.5 million of investment and has created 221 new jobs.
These significant results were announced today as 28 local start-ups progress to the next stage of the Propel Programme which is aimed at developing high growth potential, export focussed start-ups.
Having completed four weeks of intense business development, the participants will now embark on a ten month long programme that offers further training workshops, business mentoring and dedicated shared work space at The HUB in Belfast, along with access to £20,000 of support. The workshops will take participants on a step-by-step skills development plan, delivered by leading practitioners and experts who have all been selected because of their track records in building international businesses.
Niall Casey, Invest NI’s Director of Skills and Strategy, welcomed the group of start ups that range from technology solutions through to food and drink innovators.
Niall said: “The Propel Programme aims to commercialise new and innovative businesses that can be exported successfully to markets around the world. Our aim is to nurture the potential of local start ups and turn them into internationally acclaimed businesses through a tested methodology. The programme’s credentials have already been proved through the previous three programmes which have produced a number of successful businesses and have created over 200 new jobs in the process.”
One of Propel’s newest participants, Sebastian Heinz of software company Mind Flood Ltd, based in Belfast said: “Invest NI’s Propel programme is a great opportunity to get connected to a growing Northern Ireland start-up scene. You get in contact with similar minded entrepreneurs, share your experiences and combine your knowledge. I see Propel as a valuable framework, providing financial help and direction to guide fresh companies to success.”
For more information visit: www.propelprogramme.co.uk
