Post Graduate Diploma in Enterprise Development
The Post Graduate Diploma in Enterprise Development is the NQAI Level 9 qualification awarded to participants who successfully complete the requirements of the South East Enterprise Platform Programme, which is run by the WIT School of Business.
The course is aimed at entrepreneurs who are in the process of starting their own knowledge-based business in the South East. During the course of the one-year programme, the entrepreneurs attend workshops tailored specifically around the needs of start-ups - there are approximately thirty days workshops throughout the year, covering a broad range of topics including Market Research, Finance, Start-up Funding, Strategic Planning, Human Resource Management, Public Relations, Employment Law, Intellectual Property Rights, Branding, Marketing Communications and more. The workshop content can be immediately integrated into the entrepreneurs business as they progress.
There are no examinations associated with this course. The participating entrepreneurs must instead submit three business documents including a Market Research Analysis Report and a Business Plan to the course leader at specific points throughout the year. They are then asked to make a presentation to a panel, including representatives of WIT, Enterprise Ireland and Tipperary Institute, the programme partners, during which they receive valuable feedback and advice.
Other supports offered by the course include
- incubation space in WIT's new ArcLabs Research & Innovation Centre (desk space, desktop PC, VoIP telephony, dedicated business telephone number and business address, access to meeting & video-conferencing facilities etc)
- access to funding, to a maximum of EUR38,000 (tax free - subject to status)
- academic and business mentoring
- extensive opportunities to network with like-minded entrepreneurial individuals aswell as researchers, government support agencies and potential investors
In order to qualify for a place on the Post Graduate Diploma in Enterprise Development, applicants must have
- An innovative business idea with commercial, and (ideally) export potential
- A previous third-level qualification - minimum Diploma
- Relevant industry expreience
- Full-time committment to setting up their own business
The next programme commences in September 2008. For further information please contact Eugene Crehan on 051-302953 / ecrehan@wit.ie
