SCALE-X NorthWest, an Accelerator programme run by the Local Enterprise Offices in Donegal, Sligo and Leitrim, returns on September 6th and is targeted at high potential start-ups and business expansions in the northwest. This exciting programme is unique to the northwest and is built by investors for entrepreneurs. Applications are now open for entrepreneurs or businesses located anywhere in the world, who demonstrate a commitment to growing their business from the northwest of Ireland.
Steven Perry, Business Advisor with Local Enterprise Office Donegal, pictured with the SCALE-X cohort
SCALE–X Northwest will target start-up entrepreneurs with the potential for fast growth in a range of sectors such as Tech, Engineering, Blue Economy, and Health Sciences. This programme aims to focus on facilitating potential spin-outs from existing firms in the region and on introducing programme participants to potential investment funds.
Brenda Hegarty, Head of Enterprise Donegal, said: “SCALE-X NorthWest is an interactive 11-week programme that equips start-up companies with the tools, skills and confidence required to successfully engage investors and grow their businesses. The programme is designed to encourage application - learning through doing – with the support and accountability of peers, industry experts, and programme stakeholders, culminating in a live pitching event.”
Speaking about the success of the programme to date, Grace Korbel, Assistant Head of Enterprise Donegal said: “Upon completion of the programme, participants recorded a 67% increase in their investor readiness score. They also reported a 160% increase in confidence and knowledge around what metrics and KPIs to use to track their progress, and a 91% increase in having a compelling pitch with which to access resources. Following the programme, participants also recorded a 118% increase in confidence that they had a relevant network and greater understanding of the support available to help them achieve their business goals.”
The Local Enterprise Offices in Donegal, Sligo and Leitrim are collaborating with Skillfluence to implement the SCALE–X Northwest programme. Skillfluence provides bespoke training programmes designed to accelerate the needs of entrepreneurs and empower them to translate research into commercial opportunity.
Director of Economic Development, Garry Martin, Assistant Head of Enterprise, Grace Korbel, Head of Enterprise, Brenda Hegarty, Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr. Liam Blaney, and Steven Perry, Business Advisor with Local Enterprise Office Donegal pictured launching technology accelerator SCALE-X NorthWest. See www.localenterprise.ie/Donegal
SCALE-X NorthWest places a strong focus on fundamental success metrics, financial modelling, customer discovery, industry integration, and mentorship, equipping entrepreneurs with the tools to finely tune their business models for optimal fit and performance. The opportunity for industry engagement and mentorship is another key pillar of the programme, enabling participants to glean invaluable insights to adapt and optimise their business models for an increasingly competitive market landscape.
Donegal SCALE–X will target start-up entrepreneurs with the potential for fast growth in a range of sectors such as Tech, Engineering, Blue Economy and Health Sciences.
Guest speakers and contributors to the programme included Julia Shalet, a.k.a. 'The Product Doctor', David Sherman, a member of the Ooni Pizza Ovens team, Ian Harkin, co-founder of Lottie Dolls, and Steven Tigar, co-founder of Love Electric. The value of the programme's roundtable events and speakers was rated 9.5 / 10 by participants.
Jamie McCallum of Skillfluence
The deadline for application to SCALE-X NorthWest is Wednesday, 16th August 2023. Following this, 12 businesses will be selected for the accelerator, which commences on 6th September and will run for 11 weeks. For more information on the programme and how to apply, visit: https://www.localenterprise.ie/Donegal/Training-Events/Scale-X-NW-Accelerator-Programme/
