CÉIM is a one year enterprise development and training programme developed and offered by Letterkenny Institute of Technology (LYIT) and the Institute of Technology Sligo (IT Sligo).  It offers high quality training, networking opportunities, mentoring services and business incubation space to select start-up companies in the North West of Ireland.  Twelve participants from the 2008-2009 CÉIM programme received their certificates for successfully completing the course at an event in Donegal Town in early October.  Participants of 2009/2010 CÉIM programme who will graduate next year also attended the event.

Since its inception in 2004, the CÉIM programme has supported more than 50 start-up companies in the North West of Ireland across a wide range of industries including computer information technology, food production, engineering, manufacturing and the production of medical devices among other areas.  These start-up companies have developed into successful businesses and benefited the North West area with the creation of 92 full time jobs and 43 part time jobs with projected employment of up to 250 jobs by 2010/2011.  Additionally, companies who have participated in the CÉIM programme are projecting a collective turnover of €25 million by 2011.

Professor Terri Scott, President of IT Sligo said, “the achievements and employment created by CÉIM participants is testament to the power of the CÉIM programme and the strong entrepreneurial spirit of the North West of Ireland.  The Innovation Centre at IT Sligo is committed to entrepreneurship and offers CÉIM participants and other businesses the supports and research facilities required to drive success and create employment in this region.”

Paul Hannigan, President of LYIT, continued, “the CÉIM programme continues to play a central role in making businesses in the North West region economically competitive in the new technologically advanced world.  CoLab at LYIT provides a solid framework of strategic supports and services to CÉIM participants and other companies with an overall goal of developing businesses and delivering greater prosperity for the North West.”

Johnny Beirne, founder of Text-A-Track, a provider of online music and a graduate of the 2008/2009 CÉIM programme said, “the CÉIM programme allowed me to take my business to the next level and provided invaluable support and direction.  In addition to providing much-needed office space the programme offered me access to experienced business mentors and introduced me to a network of like-minded entrepreneurs who have supported my business development.”

One of the highlights of the 2008-2009 CÉIM programme was a trade mission to Silicon Valley in July 2009 for 7 select CÉIM participants involved in information technology.  Over the course of a week, these companies met with more than 40 entrepreneurs, technologists, advisors and potential investors.  Overall, the CÉIM participants were well received in Silicon Valley with one company securing a technical advisor and the interest of investors.  Another company sourced a potential partner and customers while other companies built a network of contacts and business leads.  Of note, was the support the companies received from the Irish diaspora who provided advice and made introductions to key business associates in Silicon Valley.