Great interest has been shown in the 2012 Bright Ideas Programme (BIP) with a full house of budding entrepreneurs applying for the programme that took place across the month of June on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Regional Development Centre (RDC). 2012 has witnessed a great balance from the student populace with participants from the School of Engineering, School of Business and Humanities, School of Informatics and Creative Arts and the School of Health and Science with 19 students/graduates signing up for the programme in total. BIP is kindly sponsored by the Dundalk Credit Union. The programme was facilitated in part by the professional services of Gerry Moan of Constructive Intervention and in part by the Student Enterprise Intern programme team on alternating days.


BIP participants during a creativity & innovation interactive excercise

An interactive programme it challenged the student participants to developing their business ideas, from their concept through to a credible elevator pitch at the end of the programme where they present to a panel of judges in a ‘Dragons Den’ style environment which took place in the RDC on 28^th June. The programme was afforded the opportunity to offer two business mentoring sessions (sponsored by the Louth County Enterprise Board) to the best pitch and idea with each participant scored across a number of key criteria to determine the overall winner with Neighbourhood Midwives team, Daniel Oakes & Tracey Donegan being designated as overall winners.

 
Neighbourhood Midwives BIP overall winners of the LCEB sponsored mentoring

With an overall satisfaction rate of 89% the participants found the process highly rewarding. Testimonials include:

“The most valuable part of the programme was learning different ways of thinking to expand ideas”

 “I have a wealth of information now in order for me to take the project forward….The BIP is a great course for anyone who wants to develop their ideas…staff are very knowledgeable and very supportive…”

“The programme is useful because we worked and learned like a team…I am so happy because I found opportunities through this course…”

 “Bright Ideas was much better that I expected with much more detail in how to create a business”

“BIP provides a wonderful environment in which to grow your ideas and development. The resources and support provided will enhance your enterprise skills”

“Helpful, enjoyable and definitely worthwhile”

 “I would recommend the course to anyone who has an idea for a product or service”

 For more information on this programme and other Student Enterprise Programme activities please visit:

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