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The PROPEL Programme

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What is PROPEL?

Please note: Thank you for your interest in the Propel Ideas into Businesses Programme. The Programme is currently closed to new entrants. You are welcome to view the details of the Programme and read the case studies of current participants. Please check here for an update at the start of 2011.

PROPEL is a programme for entrepreneurs, who have the greatest potential to scale up and reach significant export growth from start up. We are looking for business ideas that are innovative, are in the knowledge sector and have the potential to generate employment and revenue in the Northern Ireland economy. It is designed to provide the ambitious Northern Ireland entrepreneur with the necessary business skills, expertise, contacts and facilities to establish a successful business for the international market.  

We will fast track the best ideas, through a tested methodology, and in 14 months, have your company ready to seek investment to grow your business.

The programme is open to any potential entrepreneurs resident in Northern Ireland with an idea in the knowledge sector with clear export potential. The idea can be still on paper, it could be well in development, it could even be creating revenue now.

After a rigorous and thorough selection exercise the Programme will be carried out in two phases.  Phase 1 will run for 8 weeks with weekly evening workshops to accommodate those in employment. We plan to recruit just 30 participants for PROPEL.   As a culmination of Phase 1, all 30 participants will present their business idea to our ‘Venture Panel’ competing for their place and continued participation to Phase 2. Only 15 entrepreneurs will be selected to move on.  The competition will be tough, the places valuable.  

After an 8 week break, Phase 2 will commence and will run over a 10 month period.  Our entrepreneurs will be asked to provide their full time commitment and financial support will be provided.  This opportunity will be given to those who have demonstrated significant progress during Phase 1, to those projects that are technologically innovative, to business models that are robust, and to individuals who are adaptable and are up to having their idea questioned and encouraged.

There is no fee to participate on the Programme. The cost to you will be the time and energy you are prepared to put into transforming your idea into a sustainable export oriented business.

What support will you get?

  • Initial seed investment – to get you started, including salary support
  • Best in class business start-up training from Industry experts
  • Access to local and global contacts and networks
  • Accelerated business development
  • Access to potential investors
  • Support from business mentors – people who have been there and done it.
  • Incubation facilities
  • Being part of an elite group of up to 15 like- minded entrepreneurs
  • Participation at cross border networking events
  • Access to the Programme Director who will help troubleshoot problems as they arise and give guidance to all participants.

For more details and how to apply go to www.propelprogramme.co.uk