Business support group expands service into Limerick

AN ORGANISATION which provides support to entrepreneurs has put in place a staff member to help business people in Limerick.

Cork-based AxisBIC has hailed its “biggest ever expansion” into Munster, having supported start-up firms in the Rebel County and neighbouring Kerry for 35 years.

Staff at the firm give support and essential business expertise to entrepreneurs and prepares them for investment and growth.

It has an extensive network of partners including Enterprise Ireland, local authorities, third level institutions, government agencies, local businesses and professional services.

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AxisBIC was formerly known as CorkBIC.

The official launch for Limerick was announced at an event in Engine in Limerick city centre. But it will not locate here.

In fact, AxisBIC wil have no physical base here, rather an employee has been assigned to support local start-up firms.

Leo McAdams, divisional manager, investment services at Enterprise Ireland said: “AxisBIC has been at the forefront of driving entrepreneurial innovation in the Munster region for more than three decades and it is great to see that dedication and commitment being expanded to Clare and Limerick. There is a wealth of ideas in this region and AxisBIC will continue to develop and nurture these to becoming successful businesses of the future.”

The event in Limerick also served as an opportunity to showcase some of the High Growth Startups that AxisBIC has worked with as part of the Growth Pathway programme.

AxisBIC chief executive Larry O’Donoghue said: “AxisBIC has worked with start-ups in Clare and Limerick, but this is the first time that we will have dedicated resources on the ground in this region. Today’s launch event reflects our vision to unlock the potential within our region, empowering high growth innovators to drive positive impact. With this expansion, we look forward to developing many successful high potential startups and growing our partnerships into the future .”

A number of well-known local businessmen were present at the event.

Paul Byrnes, founder of software firm Mavarick which is based in the Engine building was joined by David Jeffreys, the former chief executive of Castletroy firm Action Point at the event.

AxisBIC has also announced that applications for its next ‘entrepreneur experience’ are now open.

It’s a unique event for 24 high growth and scaling entrepreneurs to gain access, advice and mentoring from 24 of Ireland’s most successful business leaders over 24 hours.

The 2024 Entrepreneur Experience will take place on Friday and Saturday, October 18 and 19 in Ballymaloe, Co Cork.

Since 2009, 300 emerging entrepreneurs from ten countries have participated and €120 million investment has been raised by 90 companies.