The Guinness Enterprise Centre (GEC) and Microsoft today announced the launch of the GEC software development cluster for start-up and early phase software development companies. This joint collaboration seeks to accelerate the indigenous software sector. By joining the Microsoft global partner network, the GEC has created Ireland's first and only dedicated cluster environment for the Microsoft BizSpark initiative.
Microsoft Ireland's BizSpark Programme is an initiative designed to help indigenous technology start ups to grow into successful businesses. The programme recognises the unique and significant role that startup companies can play in helping to stimulate and drive an economy. It is designed to provide a package of supports which will strengthen their ability to develop innovative technologies and solutions while growing in markets both locally and across the globe. The partnership with GEC builds on the programme by providing a limited number of companies with access to development facilities in addition to the range of other valuable supports available through the BizSpark initiaitive.
The six companies accepted into the first phase of the programme will receive significant help aimed at removing the obstacles to starting a software business in Ireland. The GEC has designated an open plan office suite to facilitate the development of a Microsoft BizSpark start-up cluster of companies.
The core GEC/BizSpark package includes dedicated business and software development facilities, software, training and business advice. Companies with strong growth potential will be integrated into the prestigious Dublin BIC start-up programme which provides extensive business development services and access to finance. This 360 degree offering is the first of its kind available in Ireland.
The GEC is the Dublin City Centre home to around 70 early stage indigenous enterprises. The centre provides a mix of flexible office space, together with a complete range of enterprise support services and finance through the AIB Seed Capital Fund or the Halo Business Angel Partnership. This creates the ideal environment for fostering entrepreneurship and job creation.
John McInerney, manager, Guinness Enterprise Centre said, “We are keen to kick-start the next generation of Ireland's international entrepreneurs. Together with Microsoft and Dublin BIC, we can bring the necessary technology, business development expertise and seed-capital to accelerate the development of Ireland's indigenous IT sector, which is absolutely critical to our economic regeneration.
“This is just one of the programme initiatives that we are rolling out to let people know that entrepreneurship is a viable option and that there are great supports available for the right people and ideas”, he concluded.
Ronan Geraghty, BizSpark Programme Manager (Ireland) at Microsoft, said, “Entrepreneurs play a pivotal role in driving innovation and creating the kind of new jobs that are essential to support Ireland's Smart Economy vision. The BizSpark programme has been designed to help Ireland's indigenous start up community at a time when they need the support most. We have had a huge response to the programme to date with almost 200 companies signed up to participate.”
“We are delighted to build on the offering further through the collaboration with the GEC. We believe that the companies selected to participate in the cluster will receive significant benefits as a result and we look forward to working with GEC to ensure that this extension of the programme is a tremendous success”, he concluded.
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