Graduates Key to New Company Start-ups Tánaiste Launches South West Graduate Enterprise 2001

Mary Harney, Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, today (Friday 20th October, 2000) launched the South West Graduate Enterprise initiative 2001. This initiative, now entering its fourth year, is a full time one year rapid incubation activity which provides training, business facilities, mentoring and finance to graduate entrepreneurs who wish to start a business.

The Tánaiste said, "Since the commencement of this initiative in 1998, twenty two new businesses are trading in the South West Region employing 120 people. This is a clear indication that there is a wealth of entrepreneurial talent within our Third Level educational system which, given the right support and direction, can lead to the creation of new enterprises with the potential to grow rapidly".

Under the initiative, participants are provided with office accommodation, communication facilities and financial support. Each participant is assigned a mentor and undergoes an intensive training course on entrepreneurship and business management and development at the offices of the Cork Business Innovation Centre.

"Enterprise Ireland is actively involved in this initiative with the other partners. Graduates are a key component in new company start-ups and provide the feed stock for future generations of high growth start up companies", the Tánaiste said.