What is Connections?

Established businesses have a wealth of experience and expertise. Business in the Community works to encourage the sharing of these skills, knowledge and best practice with small firms to enable economic growth and promote responsible entrepreneurship.

While many SMEs can now develop websites, they need some guidance on best practice and what will generate revenue for them.  I’ve greatly enjoyed mentoring through Business in the Community and helping SMEs to gain success online.

Mentor David CurryRedback Creations

Connections is a new initiative, funded by ESBIE - Electric Ireland, designed to bring together the owner-manager of a small to medium sized enterprises (SME) with in-house experts from large companies who will work with them to address specific development issues.

How does it work?

Support to small businesses combines one-to-one, confidential mentoring sessions along with networking opportunities and best practice workshops and seminars.  

The mentor business will provide the small firm with up to six sessions or 12 — 15 hours of advice and direction on identified issues such as:

  • Marketing & sales
  • Financial planning & procedures
  • Business & strategic planning   
  • Staff recruitment & management
  • New product development
  • Environmental management
  • Export marketing

The Process

  1. You provide an outline of what of what your business needs in order to develop
  2. We identify a suitable mentor and arrange your first meeting together.
  3. You and your mentor sign a confidentiality agreement.
  4. You both continue to meet up at a mutually convenient time and place.

How much does it cost?

It won’t cost you a penny – just your time (12-15 hours one to one, confidential mentoring sessions.) 

To apply, or for more information, contact:Heather Major, Business in the Community on (028) 9046 0606 or e-mail: heather.major@bitcni.org.uk

This is a three-year programme funded by ESBIE - Electric Ireland

Connections Toolkit

A Toolkit is available to help.  For further information and to access the Toolkit, click HERE

Connections logo
Connections

Nick Patterson, Sync Imaging; Heather Major, Connections Manager, Business in the Community and Susan Kinane, Managing Director, ESBIE - Electric Ireland

ESBIE - Electric Ireland

This is a three-year programme funded by ESBIE - Electric Ireland

Enterprise Northern Ireland Loan Fund

Download information on Enterprise Northern Ireland Loan Fund

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