Join a Network

If you are not already a member of a business network, join now. Why? Running your own business can be lonely and isolated. Who do you turn to when the problems mount up or you can’t figure out how to how best to grasp an opportunity?

People like yourself are certainly an answer. People who will share their experience and expertise; knowledge that is relevant to your stage of development. And, networks are great for making sales contacts and finding suppliers who appreciate your business. In Dublin City there are four main networks to choose from LINK!, Dublin City Enterprise Network for Women, Plato Dublin and BRITE. LINK! and the Dublin City Enterprise Network for Women are run by Dublin City Enterprise Board. Networking opportunities for start-up and young businesses of up to two years old are provided by LINK! This network is open to both men and women. This network provides its members with a focus on the unique strategic, operational and development challenges facing business in the very early stage of growth. When you join, you will have access to expert advice, customised training and structured networking. LINK! also provides a secure and discrete environment where new owner/managers can find guidance for the business challenges they confront. As with all good networks, you will have many opportunities to promote your business and expand your range of contacts. LINK! network meetings are held monthly and the subscription fee for a full year is €100. For further information contact: Miriam Ahern, LINK! Network Manager, M: 086 234 2789. E: link@dceb.ie Dublin City Enterprise Network for Women Dublin City Enterprise Network for Women is an established and successful network that offers numerous supports and opportunities for women entering business and established businesswomen. Apart from the usual benefits you would expect from a good business network, the Network for Women provides discounted training from Dublin City Enterprise Board, a free subscription to Women Mean Business magazine and an opportunity to enter the Dublin City Female Entrepreneur of the Year Award. The Enterprise Network for Women meets monthly when presentations on business topics are made or social activities engaged in. The annual membership is €100. For further information contact: Pauline Logan, Manager, Dublin City Enterprise Network for Women, M: 087 979 8430. E: network@dceb.ie W: www.dceb.ie (Enterprising Women). PLATO Plato Dublin is part of a major international management development network that operates in Ireland, mainland Europe and Britain. This network is for companies in business for three years or more and employing from three to eighty people. The Plato Programme is led by managers from large companies in your field of business. These 'parent' companies provide experienced executives to support you and your fellow owner-managers in the programme throughout the two year programme. Groups of owner-managers meet do discuss issues relevant to their companies, learn from the experience of their peers and obtain answers to key questions from a range of recognised experts. Plato is highly practical and meets the real needs of small businesses by letting you decide the topics to be decided. For further information contact: Marion Walsh, email: dublin@plato.ie or telephone: 01 676 3973 BRITE The Business Related Initiative for Technology based Enterprises – BRITE – is a two year programme for Information Communications Technology (ICT) companies that provides training, mentoring and networking. There are a number of residential training courses and all BRITE training is FETAC accredited a nationally recognised qualification. The social and networking aspects of BRITE are regarded as being equally important. For further information contact: Pauline Lavine. M: 086 190 5462. E: Pauline.lavin@brite.ie W: www.brite.ie

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