Local Enterprise Office Kildare launches new platform in MERITS in Naas

Local Enterprise Office Kildare invited Mid-East Tech companies to MERITS - Mid-Eastern Regional Innovation Think Space for Local Enterprise Week and launched their own digital product; an on-demand business accelerator.

The goal of this platform is to serve top growth-stage startups with tailored strategy, export, and leadership training from global industry experts. This content is accessible on demand, anywhere and on any device. Its objective is to help businesses accelerate their ability to grow and export in a learning environment that is customized specifically to their business needs and journey as an entrepreneur.

Speaking during Local Enterprise Week Jacqui McNabb, Head of Enterprise and Economic Development, Kildare County Council said: “We have huge ambition to expand the capabilities of this offering, providing an on-demand learning environment for entrepreneurs across multiple sectors. This platform tailors the learning journey to each entrepreneur based on their stage in business, sector and goals.”

Much of the video and workbook content was developed in collaboration with Colm Reilly, OCO Global. Dr. Colm Reilly developed the first global accelerator - Sirius program and was involved with the creation of the MENA Hub for the international acceleration of technology companies globally.
When describing the on-demand accelerator Dr Colm said, “Just an idea has no value, but this accelerator supports the entrepreneur to create a business that will grow into an organization.”  He also commented that the number 1 reason businesses fail is timing. The ability of this accelerator to assist and guide the entrepreneur at any time, anywhere is a significant leap in the delivery of the business supports offered by a Local Enterprise Office.

Fin Murphy and his company The StartUp.com are the technical experts behind the platform and co-partners in developing this entrepreneurial development journey.
“The journey planner on the platform connects entrepreneurs to resources they may not have been aware of and when they are at the right stage of their development to put into action,” said Murphy as he demoed the product in MERITS.

Entrepreneurs can join the on-demand accelerator via app.thestartup.com/kildareleo/ auth

The Mid-East Tech Cluster welcomes anyone active in the region's tech sector. You may be part of a tech start-up, an employee in a tech multi-national, an established business owner or someone with a business idea. This is your opportunity to learn, network and join in the ambition of our region.

The next MERITS event takes place on 23rd March and focuses on recruitment and careers in tech.  The following event will take place on 20th April and maps the journey to Enterprise Ireland for a High Potential Start-Up. Visit www.localenterprise.ie/ Kildare/Training-Events/ Online-Bookings/ to book.

Local Enterprise Week is organised every year by the Local Enterprise Offices and supported by Enterprise Ireland, local authorities and the Government of Ireland with over 300 events taking place nationwide this year.