Franchise Acceleration Start-Up Training Programme (FAST) Graduates scoop €25k in prizes

  • The National Franchise Centre, Limerick

Anne Hall of the Zip Yard Franchise scooped the top prize at The National Franchise Centre (NFC) annual FAST (Franchise Acceleration Start-up Training) Business Awards on Monday 18th June.

Minister of State, Department of Environment, Community and Local Government, Jan O’Sullivan presented a total of three awards which were sponsored by AIB, HDS Partnership and The Discovery with a total value of €25,000.

The other winners on the day were Mark Reidy of KMAC Home Services who won the second prize and Paddy McNulty of PC Pal who won the third prize. All winners and participants were also given Limerick Chamber of Commerce Membership for 1 year.

Historically the centre has been delighted with its support locally and nationally and the graduation event was no exception. The NFC is an enterprise development centre established by Limerick Institute of Technology in partnership with Limerick Chamber and as such benefits from a unique position, whereby it can build upon existing links and unify key stakeholders for the purposes of the enterprise community.

FAST which is run at the centre, is a business development training programme, which provides comprehensive and inclusive enterprise training and mentorship, covering all aspects of running/owning or managing a successful business with a particular focus on franchises. Participants on the programme are given free designated work space at the NFC, with all the facilities one might need, including a pc, phone, meeting rooms and high speed broadband.

FAST is now recruiting for its third cycle and it is expected that this group will be starting their own businesses circa October 2012, so once again it is a very exciting time for the Centre.

Commenting on the success of the FAST, Dr Maria Hinfelaar, President of LIT said, "The FAST programme is just one of a number of initiatives that are offered at LIT through the LIT Enterprise Ladder.  LIT’s Enterprise ladder is a unique solution for start-up and early stage companies who require a level of supporting expertise to ensure their next and subsequent steps are the right ones. The FAST programmes success to date is testament to the impact that third level institutions and the business community can make in regenerating the Irish economy if we work together."

Speaking about the event Limerick Chamber President Gordon Kearney noted "The NFC is an excellent initiative whereby it has positioned itself successfully to assist small and medium-sized enterprises, whether they are in the start-up stage of development or long-established. The NFC provides a platform to harness potential, so that businesses can grow and create jobs. Congratulations to all FAST graduates, Limerick Chamber are proud to support you!"

The NFC continues to receive interest both locally and nationally, and has a strong focus on developing links with the franchise community. As a result of this interaction, the Centre is delighted to announce that a variety of new activities are due to be developed and implemented in 2012.

These will to be announced over the coming months, but 2012 is certainly set to be an exciting and interesting year for the Centre.

If you wish to find out more about The National Franchise Centre and its activities please log-onto www.nationalfranchisecentre.com or follow the centre on www.facebook.com/TheNationalFranchiseCentre.

Alternatively, please feel free to contact the NFC Team directly on +353 61 448550 or email NFC@LIT.ie.

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