News
Dublin City University’s Ryan Academy for Entrepreneurship announces the establishment of a seed venture fund of 1 million for early stage technology start-up companies. continue reading
Tax Exemption for New Start-Up Companies In Ireland
There has never been a better time to set up a company in Ireland. David Brannigan explains the new tax exemption for startups
The Irish Government has introduced a scheme whereby new start-up companies are exempt from paying corporation tax for the first three years of their operation.
In order to avail of the scheme the companies
1) must be incorporated on or after 14 October 2008,
2) commence qualifying trade in 2009 (now extended to 2010),
3) have corporation tax liabilities that do not exceed specified levels.
In order to qualify, the trade of the company must not have been previously carried on by another person or formed part of another person’s trade.
The relief also does not apply to “service companies”. These are companies which are controlled by five or fewer people who carry on a profession or supply professional services.
The maximum relief allowable is for a corporation tax liability of €40,000 per annum. There is also marginal relief where the corporation tax is between €40,000 and €60,000.
If you need any further advice and information about any of the above, do get in touch with us at info@irishaccounts.ie
New Website Launched For The Trading Of New And Used Baby Clothes And Goods
A new website has been launched to benefit parents and expectant parents in the recycling and purchasing of baby clothes, furniture and equipment.
continue reading
Bray Area Partnership Start your own Business Courses!
Bray Community Enterprise are registering names for a new course specifically designed for unemployed people living in the Bray area who want to set up a business. Courses range from the 7-week Considering Self-employment (next one starts on 2nd June) to the more intensive 22-week Pre-enterprise Training programme.
The services provides support to long-term unemployed people, short-term unemployed people, dependent partners of unemployed people, lone parents, early school leavers, people in receipt of a disability payment, non-Irish nationals and individuals working in the home.
The services and support we offer include:
Advice and support on business set up and planning;
Start Your Own Business Courses;
on-going support and advice once you have started trading;
computer training at basic and ECDL level;
information and advice for all entrepreneurs.
Our Start Your Own Business courses
We run the following Start Your Own Business courses for people who want to explore the option of self-employment, whatever stage you may be at:
Considering Self-Employment: Exploring Options
If you are thinking about self-employment, this programme will give you an introduction to the concept of self-employment and will help you to:
identify your own skills and interests and how you could use them in self-employment;
explore the elements needed to set up and run your own business;
build confidence;
learn to identify business opportunities.
Pre-Enterprise Training Programme
If you are long-term unemployed and have a business idea this course will help you to develop that idea and bring it to the stage where you can set up your business.
Course run over a 22-week period, as a CE scheme with support from FAS;
Structured training programme (group and individual mentor sessions) covering such topics as book-keeping, marketing, IT skills and management;
You may be eligible to progress to the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance (DSFA).
For further information and to book your place on a course contact
Bernard Dromey, Enterprise Development Worker
Tel: 01 205 0111 Email: bernard@braycommunityenterprise.ie
Vstream Launch Digital Marketing School
Digital Marketing School is a free online video resource for anyone who has an interest in the world of digital marketing, from a beginners level, right up to seasoned professionals.
The aim is to help people with some of the basics, put some meaning behind the buzzwords, and give a broad understanding to newcomers of what is possible in the world of digital marketing
The school also looks at more advanced areas, new evolutions in technology, and where the digital marketing industry is going in the coming years.
Each month, they have a guest speaker from the industry, discussing a digital marketing campaign that really captured their imagination.
There are loads of ways to subscribe, so click on one of the links to receive updates as each new show arrives.
Blanchardstown Area Partnership – Start your own Business Courses 2010
Business Workshops 2010 Series of Morning Workshops:
Blanchardstown Area Partnership offers in a variety of workshops and seminars to help people gain the knowledge necessary to develop and run a successful business.
All seminars are from 10am to 1pm unless stated
€10 per seminar.
To book your place contact the Enterprise Dept,
Ph: 01- 820 9550 / 824 7819
Email: enterprise@bap.ie
All classes take place at Dillon House (beside Power City), Unit 106, Coolmine Ind Est, Clonsilla, Dublin 15.
Click here for directions & map >>
26 February
Bookkeeping
Why it is vital to keep the books straight
Recording data in a systematic manner in the books
Tailoring the record keeping to meet your needs
Bank reconciliation
How to use the information recorded
5 March
VAT
Who must register for VAT and why
How to assemble data for VAT and how to completed the returns
What VAT is allowed and disallowed and why
How imports and exports are treated for VAT purposes
Why VAT is the most lethal of all the various taxes
12 March
How To Market Your Business On-line
The concept of on-line marketing
The new media and on-line platforms
Irish consumers and the internet
On-line advertising objectives
Outline internet marketing plan
Types of on-line marketing
Case studies of best practice on-line marketing
The pros and cons of being on-line.
18 March
A ‘How To Guide’ To Designing & Delivering Effective Promotional Material
Promotional Materials within your business
Importance of effective promotional materials
Types of promotional materials and uses
Logo & Corporate Stationery, Newsletters, Brochures, Website
Price Lists/Quotations
Good design practice –v- poor design practice
Real-life examples of strong, effective design
Real-life examples of poor, ineffective design
How to properly brief a designer
Printing options available to your business
How to ensure that your promotional materials get into the right hands!
Hard-copy Delivery (eg direct marketing / An Post)
Electronic Delivery (via newsletter or e-mail)
Top Tips for getting the most from your designer and/or printer
Measuring effectiveness of promotional materials.
26 March
Getting Your Message Across
Effective Communication, Confidence Building and Assertiveness
Understanding Communications
Challenge your understanding of communications
Introducing you to new communications thinking
Being aware of how you communicate
Being confident in your communications
Having confidence in your own communication
What is your message
Know what you want to say
Choose how you want to say it
Exercises for gaining confidence
Tools for communicating
Know the tools, understand the kitbag
Choosing the right tool for the right task
The media – how to make best use of a very diverse market
Practical preparation
Discuss & Rehearse with partner
Listen to feedback
Reverse roles
Presentation
Building confidence
Group communication
Assertiveness
Feedback
30 March
Idea Generation
What is creativity and idea generation;
Creativity exercises;
Brainstorming;
Idea generation techniques;
How to assess your ideas.
31 March
Principles of Employment Law
Summary of relevant Acts, Equality, Unfair Dismissals etc.
Practical application of Acts for the small business
Contracts of employment
Managing poor performance
Policies & procedures
13 April
Business planning
What is a business plan & why write one
Business plan template (workbook will be provided)
Self assessment, background & experience
Legal structures
Your Product/service
Target market, Market research and marketing strategy
Financial projections, cash flow, profit & loss account
16 April
Guerrilla Marketing
Definition of guerrilla marketing
Online examples
Suggesting and using guerrilla marketing for clients
Building guerrilla marketing into a marketing campaign
Case studies
How to do it yourself – brainstorming
20 April
Taxation For Self Employed
Tax registration – sole trader / partnerships / limited companies
VAT – registration / thresholds / cash v accruals accounting for VAT / filing requirements / Year end reporting / penalties
PAYE – registration / filing requirements / year end reporting / penalties
Income tax – calculation / payment dates / allowable expenses V’s disallowable expenses / capital allowances / penalties
Revenue Audits
ROS
How to save tax.
23 April
E-commerce
Payment packages
Shopping carts
Things to watch out for
What works and why.
28 April
What You Need To Know for Importing / Exporting
Speak the language
Know who you will talk to: customers, customers of your customers
Regulations & customs
Logistics.
7 May
How To Create & Use Social Media
What is Social Media?
Facebook, LinkedIn, twitter, bebo, my space, blogs
How to create and use Social Media to benefit your business
Raising your profile
11 May
Market Research
What is Market Research
Aims of Market Research
Primary and Secondary Sources of Market Research
Conducting Market Research on a Budget
14 May
Copywriting For Online and Offline Media
How to write attention grabbing headline
How to use the words that sell, (and avoid those that don’t)
Headlines, the rules you must obey
Proven and effective openings you can use NOW!
What are copy connectors and how to use them
POWER words
Live workbook exercise
What’s your most wanted response
18 May
Idea Generation
What is creativity and idea generation;
Creativity exercises;
Brainstorming;
Idea generation techniques;
How to assess your ideas.
21 May
Setting Up And Managing AdWords Campaigns Effectively
4 questions you must ask about YOUR OWN website
How to avoid the “Newbie” learning curve
What does Google think of you?
How to get results at no or low cost
Outperform your competition – find out what they’re doing
Banner ads – how to get other people selling for YOU
Split-testing your return-on-investment
How YOU can find the best keywords
3 June
Bookkeeping
Why it is vital to keep the books straight
Recording data in a systematic manner in the books
Tailoring the record keeping to meet your needs
Bank reconciliation
How to use the information recorded
11 June
VAT
Who must register for VAT and why
How to assemble data for VAT and how to completed the returns
What VAT is allowed and disallowed and why
How imports and exports are treated for VAT purposes
Why VAT is the most lethal of all the various taxes
15 June
eBay for Sellers
Introductions, How eBay works
How Feedback works
How to Search, Bid, Buy & Pay (PayPal)
Registering as a Seller
Photos & Descriptions
Listing an Item for Sale – Live Demo
Pop Quiz – revision of learning
Tactics & Pricing Strategy
Moving Beyond the Basics
Cross Border Trade
Top 10 PowerSeller Tips
18 June
A ‘How To Guide’ To Designing & Delivering Effective Promotional Material
Promotional Materials within your business
Importance of effective promotional materials
Types of promotional materials and uses
Logo & Corporate Stationery, Newsletters, Brochures, Website
Price Lists/Quotations
Good design practice –v- poor design practice
Real-life examples of strong, effective design
Real-life examples of poor, ineffective design
How to properly brief a designer
Printing options available to your business
How to ensure that your promotional materials get into the right hands!
Hard-copy Delivery (eg direct marketing / An Post)
Electronic Delivery (via newsletter or e-mail)
Top Tips for getting the most from your designer and/or printer
Measuring effectiveness of promotional materials.
22 June
Idea Generation
What is creativity and idea generation;
Creativity exercises;
Brainstorming;
Idea generation techniques;
How to assess your ideas.
25 June
Credit Management
Principles of Credit Control
Before You Make the Call
The 4 reasons people wont/cant pay
Strategies to achieve payment and maintain
For further details, and to register for any of the above workshops, please contact:
Niall Comber
Enterprise Development Officer
Phone 01 820 9550 / 824 7819
Mobile: 086 354 5210
E-mail ncomber@bap.ie.
All classes will be held at Partnership offices:
Dillon House
Unit 106
Coolmine Industrial Estate
Clonsilla
Dublin 15
Need 100k? No Problem! Just solve the national economic crisis…
www.yourcountryyourcall.com
Well points for effort I suppose, the idea is that there has to be one or two genius ideas out there that can save the nation from the mess that it is currently in. As the government is clearly devoid of any inspiration they have thrown the challenge back to us.
My 2 ideas are:
1) Sack the Government
2) Put Michael O’Leary in charge
I accept all major forms of cash as a government cheque would probably bounce….
The blurb goes as follows!
Your Country, Your Call is a competition to ignite imaginations and inspire thinking.
The goal is to pick two truly transformational proposals so big that, when implemented, could secure prosperity and jobs for Ireland. Proposals that could help change the way we do things, allow businesses to grow, employment to be created and prosperity to flourish
Your Country, Your Call gives you the chance to share your creativity to give life to new industry, revitalise or revolutionise an existing market, or even change the way we do business entirely. It’s not about creating new products. It’s about creating something that will make a long term positive impact on the future of Ireland, its people, and its economy.
Your Country, Your Call is all about Ireland. It’s about helping to create sustainable employment and prosperity, whilst at the same time generating hope, confidence, and positive thinking.
Your Country, Your Call is open for proposals.
Blanchardstown Area Partnership – start your own business courses
Anyone living in or around Dublin West should take note of the great value courses available from the Blanchadstown area partnership. For as little as €10 per person you can learn some key skills and gain valuable information on business essentials such as the Bookeeping and Vat Seminars outlined below.
Places are available for upcoming Bookkeeping seminar (on 26 Feb) & VAT seminar (on 5 Mar)
To book your place, simply reply or email: enterprise@bap.ie with your contact details.
(if you are already registered to attend, please ignore this email)
Both €10 per participant
Bookkeeping (10am to 1pm)
26 February
Why it is vital to keep the books straight
Recording data in a systematic manner in the books
Tailoring the record keeping to meet your needs
Bank reconciliation
How to use the information recorded
VAT (10am to 1pm)
5 March
Who must register for VAT and why
How to assemble data for VAT and how to completed the returns
What VAT is allowed and disallowed and why
How imports and exports are treated for VAT purposes
Why VAT is the most lethal of all the various taxes
To book your place, simply email: enterprise@bap.ie with your contact details.
There are many other upcoming seminars and courses.
More info @ http://www.bap.ie/bus_wshop_sched_2010.html
Market Research – 19 Feb
Bookeeping – 26 Feb
start UP – 1 Day Business Seminar – 10 Mar
How To Marketing Your Business On-Line – 12 Mar
A ‘How To’ Guide To Designing Effective Promotional Material – 18 Mar
Getting Your Message Across – Effective Communication – 26 Mar
Principles of Employment Law – 31 Mar
start UP – 1 Day Business Seminar – 14 Apr
Guerrilla Marketing – 16 Apr
What You Need To Know For Importing & Exporting – 28 Apr
Looking for an alternative source of investment capital? Check out first step microfinance.
The goal is the creation of enterprise through self employment and they provide loans of up to €25,000 to start up or expanding new businesses.
First-Step provides loans to people who want to create their own enterprise and who cannot access funding, or sufficient funding, from other sources.
The core goal is to help finance start up and expanding Small and Medium Enterprises (SME’s) to provide job opportunities. They have an application and screening process which evaluates the applications received and stress tests them for likely success based on information received.
First-Step is a private not-for-profit company. First-Step receives funding from Enterprise Ireland through the EU Seed and Venture Capital Fund and the Social Finance Foundation. First-Step is the beneficiary of an SME Guarantee Facility created within the framework of the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme (CIP) of the European Community.
It is great to see some innovation at work, Outvesting is a campaign which asked people to pledge €50 with the aim of giving €5000 to one lucky startup company. Applications for the 5K is open until November 21st…what are you waiting for!!
in·vesting/ĭn-vĕst’ing/
The act of committing money to a business while expecting income or profit in return.
out·vesting/out-vĕst’ing/
The act of committing money to a business while expecting to get nothing in return, other than the satisfaction of giving a leg up to Irish entrepreneurs.
Online campaign seeking start-ups for €5,000 donation
NEWCASTLEWEST, CO. LIMERICK – OCT 30, 2009: Outvesting.org, the online campaign which has raised a €5,000 fund through donations on Twitter is now seeking applications from Irish entrepreneurs. The entire fund will be gifted, no strings attached, to one lucky start-up after a review and voting process.
“We simply asked people to pledge €50 each in the hope that one hundred others would do likewise. Those pledges came rolling in and in the space of four weeks were converted to donations amounting to the target €5,000″, said John Keyes, one of those behind the project.
Applications can be submitted to the Outvesting.org website until November 21st and the winner will be announced on December 7th. Those who donated to the fund will review applications and vote on the start-up with best potential.
“There’s obviously a groundswell of opinion that entrepreneurs should do more to help ourselves at this time of banking and economic crises. We just tapped into the generosity and goodwill that exists within the start-up community in Ireland”, said James Corbett, the other half of the Outvesting team.
About Outvesting:
Outvesting.org was founded in September 2009 by James Corbett and John Keyes as an online campaign to raise funding for entrepreneurs and start-up companies. The idea was generated as one response to the general dissatisfaction amongst entrepreneurs with the lack of appropriate angel funding and state supports in Ireland.
Contact:
James Corbett, co-founder
Outvesting.org
Newcastlewest,
Co. Limerick
Phone: 087-3207756
http://www.outvesting.org
