Exxcel Programme
Ten female participants are now into the 2nd month of participation in the Exxcel programme which is delivered remotely. They have had training on topics such as Strengths Profiling, Business Model Canvas, Strategy & Business Planning and Market Research.
Juggling busy professional and home lives, participants are also availing of 1-1 mentoring sessions to delve deep into their innovative business ideas. At the same time, the Rubicon team is busy connecting the ladies with colleagues in MTU, in the local business community and amongst our vast network of clients and programme alumni who generously share their expertise and knowledge.
New Frontiers Programme
The current New Frontiers Phase 2 group is progressing well and all have submitted 1st draft of business plans. The start-ups have also completed a mid-term review with Enterprise Ireland. The feedback on their progress was very positive given the challenges they face during a programme being delivered remotely, all participants have remained dedicated and engaged. Lots of lessons have been learned from former programme participants through ‘meet the founder’ sessions where top tips have been shared. In early January participants had an opportunity to pitch for investment to the Rubicon Angel investor group, with discussions ongoing. The next Phase 1 programme begins in April with recruitment commencing shortly.
Scale Cork
The Benchmarking phase is complete for the six companies selected to join the pilot this year. The Benchmarking Phase uses software built for the Scale Cork Programme allowing participants to compare their operations to comparative companies across Europe.
The participant companies are in sectors such as Digital Health and sub supply to Cork’s Pharma-chem and Medical Device Companies.
The Programme is funded by Cork County Council’s Economic Development Directorate and is combining the resources of Cork County Council, The Rubicon and external partners in Warwick(UK) and Boston(USA).
The next phase will see advanced team mentoring with the companies. Mentors will work on the areas identified for companies to scale quickly. Please CONTACT US with any queries.
Enterprise Start Programme
Enterprise Start Programme participants show the perseverance of entrepreneurs in all circumstances.
The Rubicon Centre’s six-week online Enterprise Start Programme commenced on the 16th of January 2021. The aim of this programme is to assist people with a start-up business or a business idea to develop it further in a structured learning environment. To achieve this, each week we provide a different Business module in addition to hearing from a guest entrepreneur. The modules include:
- Business Models
- Finding Customers
- Market Research
- Finance
- Going Digital
- Presentation of Business Plan
Danny Sheahan of Invisio Ltd. delivered a market research workshop and our guest entrepreneurs include: Charles Daly, OrthoXel CTO and Co-Founder, Ian O’ Sullivan, Legit Fit COO and Co-Founder, Bernard Yore, Eirdata CEO, Adrian Casey, Swyft Energy Co-Founder and Olivia Norman Founder Naivilo
The group are now ready to present their business ideas on Saturday 27th February 2021 to a distinguished panel comprising of:
Dr Breda Kenny – Head, School of Business, Munster Technological University, Cork
Josette O’Mullane – Innovation & Enterprise Manager, Munster Technological University. Cork
Kevin Curran – Head of Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office Cork North & West
Paul Healy Rubicon Centre Manager and George Bulman from the Rubicon Centre will also be in attendance in support of the participants.
