This programme will provide individuals who are seeking to start their own business with the skills, management tools and expertise in making the right decisions, planning and organising effectively. It will help individuals gauge what will be required in order to keep their new venture running effectively and efficiently. Topics covered include:

• To help existing and potential new business operators better understand the world of self-employment and the challenges involved in running a business in order to, enable them to use their own skills and abilities to make their businesses successful.
• To provide participants with the information, basic skills and framework to explore, assess or re-evaluate their business idea and its future direction/growth options (e.g Export, Innovation, Franchising, Partnerships, Investors)
• Guide each participant through the process of completing a Business Plan for their businesses and provide them with feedback and support to help them run a better business ensuring that their business is competitive in the current challenging environment.

During the programme you will be provided with the opportunity for mentoring with the training provider and receive a presentation from the Advisory Team of the Local Enterprise Office who will guide you on further supports for your business idea.

At the conclusion of this programme participants should have a insights into:

• Entrepreneurial Mindset & Business Supports
• Legal Issues for Start-ups
• Preparing a Business Plan
• Researching the Market
• Promotion for the Small Business – Marketing
• Finance & Basic Book-keeping
• Mentoring

Why Attend?

This course is aimed at entrepreneurs or potential entrepreneurs with an ambition to establish a competitive well managed sustainable business. The Start Your Own Business course is designed to provide both existing and potential entrepreneurs with the skills, knowledge and training to successfully run their small business, identify and use their own strengths and abilities to seek out new opportunities to sustain and grow their business.

• *50% of course participants have successfully started their business
• *60% of course attendees have been female entrepreneurs
*Research undertaken by the LEO Centre of Excellence during 2021

Trainer Profile:

Martina McGrath, CEO has a strong development background centred round start-ups, business expansion and enhancing skills. A previous Enterprise Development Centre Manager, Martina managed The National Franchise Centre project from inception. She has a proven track record with public, private and not-forprofit bodies. Practiced at developing strategic alliances, Martina also holds extensive knowledge on funding structures, processes, procurement and tendering. Internationally, Martina has been successful in securing EU monies and is recognized for her experience in managing export documentation services for Irelands largest Certificate of Origin client. Martina has worked steadily with start-ups in assessing and advising on concept viability, market opportunity, commercial feasibility and strategy development. She has also supported growing businesses in the pursuit of scaled growth in the form of licensing, franchise opportunities and skills acquisition.
Alan Carey, Managing Partner- An experienced Strategist, fulfilling roles of Senior Business Consultant, Business Architect & Business/Corporate Analyst. I have over 20 years experience in delivering business strategies, transformation and organisational change programmes. I work with Senior Management teams to ensure operational processes are aligned with corporate strategy and visions. I focus on the achievement of business value along with very strong analytical and communication skills which enable me to manage change initiatives to solution delivery. I work closely with Project Delivery teams and guide Business Managers in their quest for effective Strategic Business and Solution Architectures. My main strength is my ability to understand strategic business requirements and processes and turn them into practical workable solutions through strategic guidance, business analysis, design, planning and solution delivery.
Richard Lennon, Head of Finance has over 10 years experience in financial services. His background includes accounting, business development, and working within start-up enter