Yesterday, Thursday 21st April was the iGAP finale. Simply
put, it was fantastic. The fifteen businesses all completed seven minute
pitches to a panel. The presentations were of extraordinarily high standard –
across the board. The change and uplift that each business had achieved over the
programme was very evident. The internet entrepreneurs were clear, concise and subjected
to three minutes of questions from the panel.
The panel consisted of Ray Nolan (worky.com), Colm Healy (Xiam), Breon
Corcoran (paddypower.com), Rob Corbet (Arthur Cox) and me – Colm Lyon (Realex
Payments). Brain Caulfield, who was the programme lead for iGAP was ash cloud
stranded, which was a shame. Brian’s input for the programme has been instrumental
and I mentioned that he has done an incredible job – both in terms of the
content and his own leadership to inspire people.
All the participating businesses on the Internet Growth Acceleration Programme (iGAP) have now completed the six modules. Feedback from the attendees has been excellent. Speakers and presentations covered a wide range of topics all geared towards building and growing internet businesses. The finale, at which each business will make a pitch will take place on Thursday 21st April 2010. The finale is being sponsored by Arthur Cox and the IGA would like to extend a large thank you to all the other sponsors - Qualcomm, Realex Payments, Paddy Power and Worky.
The programme has been a great success and sincere thanks to Brian Caulfield and all the people in EI who have worked so hard to make this happen - We look forward to hearing about your future plans :-)
If you are on this programme please add a comment.
The great news is that the Internet Growth Acceleration Programme kicked off this week with fifteen Irish internet businesses on baord. The following companies made the shortlist and well done to each of you.
Over the last few months the Business Advisors from the Internet Growth Alliance and Enterprise Ireland have been working on developing and creating a comprehensive programme of learning aimed towards Irish internet businesses that wish to scale.
Today sees the launch of the Internet Growth Acceleration Programme. It is comprehensive, intensive and it will provide Irish internet entrepreneurs with access to a host of learning and networking opportunities - both local and worldwide. Download a pdf on the programme here. The programme will run from November 2009 to April 2010 and EI are now accepting applications - see www.enterprise-ireland.com/igap for details and the application process.
Sincere thanks to the people in EI for working on this project and in particular a big "thank you" to all the business advisors who gave up their time to support and input to the creation of this programme - I have no doubt that this programme will help many Irish Internet businesses as they devise and implement their international growth strategies. See Press Release here. Please spread the word about this programme! Colm.
Just a brief update to let you know what's been happening with the Internet Growth Alliance. We held our second meeting on Friday 10th July and made a lot of progress. Representatives from the Irish Internet Association, the Irish Software Association, the Digital Hub, Enterprise Ireland and the Institute of International and European affairs attended along with all the business advisors - Colm Lyon, Ray Nolan, Pat Phelan, Dylan Collins, Damien Mulley, Colm Healy, Breon Corcoran and Rob Corbet. Web 2 Ireland are now also involved with the Alliance.
We had Expertise, Funding, Networking and Policy on the agenda.
Both the Digital Hub and Web 2 Ireland have agreed to participate in the Internet Growth Alliance. To date Enterprise Ireland, the Irish Internet Association, the Irish Software Association and the Institute of European Affairs have been the representative associations. The inclusion of the Digital Hub and Web 2 Ireland is very welcome.
The Alliance aims to bring all the stake holders of the Irish Internet industry together so we can collaboration and find ways to help internet businesses to grow.
Here's an update on what's happening in relation to acting on the three issues of Expertise, Funding and Network. (This has been sent in a newsletter to those people who have subscribed - if you haven't, you on the feedback page).
Expertise
We are delighted to comfirm that Enterprise Ireland have agreed to create and run an Internet Growth Acceleration Programme. This is a multi module development programme that will run over several weeks covering everything from strategy, monetising your web application, SEO, how to seek funding etc. It will give participants an opportunity to get a deep understanding of these issues and help businesses to formulate aggressive growth plans.
Please let us know what you think of the Alliance and in particular please let us know the type of content / format you would like to see on the Acceleration Programme - how should it be structured, what topics should be covered, how long should it run.
Post a comment on the blog and hopefully others will add to it. If you prefer, email me directly on
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Last week when we announced the launch of the Internet Growth Alliance, we received messages of support from many people. At the IIA congress and also at the Net Visionary Awards there was widespread support for this initiative. It is still early days and many aspects of the Alliance need to be defined.
Frank Ryan, CEO of Enterprise Ireland referred to the Alliance in his speech at the Net Visionary Awards and provided words of encouragement and support. The Irish Times business pages (John Collins) also covered the story last Saturday. Many internet industry stakeholders have also provided feedback for which we are grateful.
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