Invest NI Calls For Innovative Start-Ups

Invest Northern Ireland has launched a call for innovative start-ups to apply for the 2014/15 Propel programme, aimed at developing businesses with the potential to succeed on an international stage.

Now in its fifth year, Propel is an intensive 12-month programme which helps participants fast track their business ideas, develop intensive growth plans and explore global prospects. Applications are now open to early stage export focused businesses with an innovative product or service. The 2014/15 Propel Programme will commence in November following a competitive application process.

Niall Casey, Invest NI's Director of Skills and Strategy Solutions, said: "The Propel Programme provides a dynamic culture and motivational environment for creative, ambitious, early stage company teams or individuals, who are working on a business idea with international market potential.

"The impact and value of Propel to local businesses and the wider economy is clear. Since 2009, 85 new companies have raised over £5.3m of private investment through the programme, creating over 250 jobs. The standard of participants has been extremely high, which is reflective of the business talent in Northern Ireland today. We hope that the calibre of participants for 2014/15 will further add to this success."

Propel provides participants with a series of challenging business development workshops, valuable advice from local and international business experts, introductions to potential investors and one-to-one bespoke guidance through mentorship work. Participants are offered dedicated shared working space at The HUB in Belfast's Cathedral Quarter and crucial financial support.

(CD/JP)