Tallaght - Centre of the Universe

It's official - Tallaght is, according to An Bord Snip Nua, the place to be. The recommendation by Colm McCarthy's review group is that Blanchardstown Institute of Technology and the three DIT sites be relocated to our own campus here at ITT Dublin. This runs alongside proposed swingeing (what a great word!) cuts to R&D funding and serious rationalisation of the Enterprise Development arms of the state including the subsuming of the County Enterprise Boards into Enterprise Ireland and a reduction of 200 staff in that latter entity. While it is inevitable that every man/woman/entity will defend their own right to continue in existence, and these pleas fall largely on sceptical ears once one steps outside one's own realm, it is to be hoped that cuts in R&D and enterprise development are made with one eye to the future. As Enterprise Ireland's recent publication on the Technology Transfer Strengthening Initiative highlights - it can take a while for funding to translate into outcomes - particularly when the funding is there to create a serious shift in strategic outlook and approach.

Scary, Speedy Summers

A sign of the times we live in? The recently blogged Innovation Vouchers Call from Enterprise Ireland that opened on Monday is now closed. With over 100 applications received in just three days, in the height of summer this has to be both scary and reassuring. Scary for those of us who support young, high-tech start-ups - the challenge is for us to marshall our resources so that we are in a position to respond in an accelerated fashion to their requirements. While resources of all types are scarce in a system that is largely public sector based - EI, CEBs, Incubation Centres, Colleges, FAS etc - we must also look to cut the red tape that can unnecessarily stretch and absorb these resources. On the upside it is reassuring that in the current economic climate a three day call throws up one hundred small businesses who are are actively seeking to commercially innovate - develop dramatically better products or processes. And these are all short-term projects with short to medium term results - we won't have to wait too long for their impact on Ireland Inc. Next call for Innovation Vouchers opens 1st September - watch www.innovationvouchers.ie for more info.

One Day Whinge Window

If you have been giving out about the government response to credit crisis for small business then you have a one-day window to get your spoke in! The County Enterprise Boards are carrying out a survey to establish what the situation is now and what changes (if any) have taken place so they can present the situation to the Minister. Please participate by completing this survey (below) by close of business this Monday 29th June. It only takes 5 minutes and will be very helpful to present the current situation.
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=2_2b7MxqVFTXf2jpDQ4Z_2f7ZQ_3d_3d

Primary Promoters!!!

Watch out entrepreneurs - the next generation is hot on your heels. Tallaght Library is currently showcasing projects from South Dublin County Enterprise Board's "Bí Gnóthach" project aimed at entrepreneurial primary school kids. Mini-businesses set up by the kids range from Sensational Smoothies to Book Fairs and Craft Shops. First prize went to 6th class students from St Martin de Porres National school, Tallaght with their project Funky Glasses. Unlike our own entrepreneurs these students are a little more altruistic with proceeds going to charities chosen by the children.

Student Entrepreneurs Carry On Regardless

Unfortunately, none of the Student Synergy Awards winners made it through to the finals of the Enterprise Ireland Student Awards which will take place in Coleraine on the 10th June. Undaunted, our winners are working away on their businesses - we just got a mail from Niall of All Mountain Experience (http://www.allmountainexperience.com/) in Italy - they've had 20 clients through their Lake Garda camp in the last three weeks. We're looking forward to the Carzii marketing campaign this summer which Simon assures us will kick off post-exams (see http://www.carzii.ie/). Also have high hopes for the Quicknets and Liquistal teams. Well done to all and thanks to South Dublin County Enterprise Board for their sponsorship.