THE COUNTDOWN TO STARTUP GATHERING CORK BEGINS

30th September 2015

Spotlight on Cork and Cork's Ecosystem for Startups

Cork is already poised to take full advantage of the opportunity provided by Startup Gathering, which is taking place nationally from 5 to 10 October 2015 in Ireland. The highest number of events for the Startup Gathering have been planned in Cork city and county, with almost 65 events for entrepreneurs and business owners recorded.

“It’s no surprise that Cork is leading the way nationally in terms of the number of activities and events planned during the Startup Gathering, to support entrepreneurs and drive awareness of the many reasons why Ireland, and indeed Cork, is a great place to startup,” said Siobhan Finn, Cork innovates project director and Startup Cork city co-ordinator.

“There is a great spirit of collaboration in Cork, along with a real commitment to supporting startups and entrepreneurs here. From the local authorities to support agencies, colleges, incubation and innovation centres, and institutions and organisations, everyone in Cork is pulling together to make the Startup Gathering here a huge success. It’s up to those interested in starting a business now, to take advantage of the incredible opportunities and myriad of support events on between the 2nd and 10th October in Cork,” she added.

According to Vision-net.ie, the number of startups in Cork has been increasing steadily over the last 3 years, and in 2015 the number of startups increased by one third. This figure is higher than the national average which showed an increase of 22% in August 2015. Over 3,000 business startups were recorded in August 2015 with Dublin, Cork and Limerick being the three most popular locations for new business.

“Cork’s ecosystem for business and startups is thriving, progressive and successful. There has never been a better time or a better place to establish a business and we are particularly lucky in Cork to have such a cohesive network of stakeholders who are committed and actively engaged. International startups and venture capitalists have been attracted to locate in Cork, reinforcing the attractiveness of the Regionand the opportunities on offer for the startup community. 'The Startup Gathering will serve to spotlight the attractiveness of the Region and reinforce the phenomenal ecosystem for business here regionally, nationally and internationally,” said Conor Healy, CEO of Cork Chamber.

For those interested in business and startups, a wide variety of events are listed for Cork on www.startupgathering.ie/cork and they will take place in locations throughout Cork city and county. (Sample events listed below)

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Photo caption : Donncha O'Callaghan, Startup Gathering Cork Ambassador & CEO 4impacts and Siobhan Finn, Startup Gathering City Co-ordinator and Project Director of Cork innovates pictured at City Hall Cork.

Innovation Support Day – 6 Oct @ The Nimbus Centre, CIT
Cork Institute of Technology are hosting this event for startups, SMEs, multi-nationals, and anyone else who wants to learn about technology, innovation services and funding that is available to support the development of innovative technological ideas.

“From Unemployment to Successful Self Employment” - 8 Oct @ Silversprings Hotel.
If you are thinking about starting up, then join SECAD, Cork City Partnership and the Department of Social Protection to find out about the entitlements and benefits of self employment. This workshop will provide practical advice and information for setting up any business.

Smart Agri Food Business - 9 Oct @ Garyvoe Hotel, Cork
This event will bring together farmers, producers, and restaurants to help them understand how their businesses connect, discover new opportunities for growing their business and creating jobs.

Launch of “MakerDojo” – 6 Oct @Tyndall National Institute Inspired by the incredibly successful Coder Dojo movement which has taken the world by storm and created a generation of technologists, this event will be a practical hands-on exploration in the field of engineering and manufacture.

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