New programme for local start-up firms

WEXFORD startup businesses are being encouraged to apply for a position on Google’s Adopt a Startup Spring 2017 programme.

The initiative which forms part of Google’s commitment to supporting the Startup community in Ireland. No Wexford startups have yet participated in Adopt a Startup and it is hoped that this year the county will be represented for the first time.

With 30 positions on the programme up for grabs the full list of companies selected will be revealed in early January 2017. Successful applicants will receive 12 weeks of hands-on mentoring and access to exclusive lectures and workshops.

Head of Google Ireland’s Startup Engagement programme, Paddy Flynn said: ‘ This is a hugely beneficial programme for Irish startups. The types of startups we are looking for, and who will benefit the most from participation, are those in business for more than one year, with a strategy in place for acquiring new customers and already generating revenue. They will be thinking globally and rapidly scaling their business, or planning to enter into new markets over the first six months in 2017.

‘ This is an intense programme so participants also need to be available to participate in a hands-on three month mentoring program and be willing to embrace change and take action on feedback given. Since we launched our Adopt a Startup programme 2014 we have worked with almost 100 high potential Irish startups and many have gone on to raise significant capital funding and greatly increase their employee numbers.’

Each company selected will get to work with a dedicated Google support team to develop and improve their overall business strategy with the programme culminating in a Dragons Den style competition final in Spring 2017.

Interested Startups should submit their entry at: https://events. withgoogle.com/adoptastartup/apply.