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A recent AIB Start up Academy event in Cork saw 90% of those present optimistic about the future of Irish business. Photo: iStock

Members of Cork’s start-up community gathered together on Wednesday, June 3rd at Crane Lane in Cork city as part of the AIB Start up Academy, in association with The Irish Times. When asked, 90% of the start-ups gathered in the room said they were optimistic about the future of Irish business.

Cork’s own Donal Cahalane, chief marketing officer of Teamwork.com and Frank Hannigan from Pathfinder Partners, an entrepreneur who as successfully raised over €40 million in funding, shared their journey with the audience on the night. Local Cork start-ups Writing for Tiny, Rezoomo and upChase, were also on hand to pitch their businesses.

GRAND PRIZE OF €250K

Applications are now being accepted for the AIB Start-up Academy programme, which will begin in early 2016. The intense training programme will see 11 finalists mentored and coached by AIB, The Irish Times and a panel of business experts before going on to compete for a grand prize valued at over €250k, which includes a €20k cash investment for the overall winner and an advertising and mentorship package for each runner-up.

From May to November The AIB Start-Up Academy will visit Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick, Sligo, Athlone, Wexford, Killarney, and Kilkenny to draw together a mix of entrepreneurs, mentors and investors at gatherings in cities and towns across the country. The events are for start-ups from all backgrounds and at all stages, including those who are considering embarking on a new business venture for the first time. Successful and experienced local entrepreneurs will be on hand at each event to share their stories and to network with attendees.

John O’Doherty, Regional Director, AIB Cork opened the AIB Start-up Academy event in Cork, “This event showcased the great ideas and talent from Cork’s vibrant start up community. There was a real variety of sectors and experience represented here tonight and we are delighted to be supporting them through the AIB Start up Academy for a second year.”

NEXT AIB ACADEMY

The next AIB Start Up Academy event takes place in Galway on 17th June.

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