Business Development Programme

Business Development Programme

Programme description

Make your business idea a reality with OLDC Business Development programme, in collaboration with West Offaly Training. We are here to guide and support you in setting out on the exciting prospect of starting and owning your own business. Offaly Local Development Company has been delivering this business development programme to people in Offaly and beyond for over 20 years.

We support learners to explore their skills and business ideas, and we offer additional supports that enable you to reach your full potential and prepare for self employment.

We do this by:

Continually reviewing and updating our programme to use the latest teaching and learning technologies Using a blended educational model of online, live collaboration, offline activities; classroom learning, assignments, one to one support and mentoring using modern technologies and teaching methods to encourage effective learning and engagement. Learners have full access to presentations, recordings and course work that you can access at a time that suits you.
Making participants aware of, and teaching the use of, the latest and most relevant business tools, especially to the new and small business owner. Currently we place a high emphasis on the value of Cloud Computing due to its accessibility, and small capital and overhead for the new business owner.

Our programme of education is built on the foundation of Offaly Local Development Company's principles and strategies which are inclusion, innovation, community, enterprise support and development.

Who is this course suitable for?

This course is suitable for those who are unemployed, have a business idea and are unsure where to start. Those interested in participating must have a business idea and be in receipt of a CE qualifying social welfare payment (standard CE qualifying period does NOT apply but you must meet specific criteria set out by DEASP)

Eligibility

This programme is a special C.E Scheme. Application for participation on this programme must be submitted through a ‘Case Officer’ in the Department of Social Protection and standard CE rates will apply (standard CE qualifying period does NOT apply but you must meet specific criteria set out by DEASP ) Vacancies will be advertised on DEASP, Offaly Local Development, JobsIreland websites and social media.

Course Content?

Each learner will complete accredited training, in collaboration with West Offaly Training, and non accredited business specific training modules.

QQI Level 5 Accredited training:

Marketing Practice
Business Administration
Start your Own Business

Non Accredited training includes:

Motivation and Stress Management
GOALS programme
Cloud Computing
Computer skills
Branding
Photography
Social Media & digital marketing
Website development and domain registration

Each module is carefully selected and curated to meet the needs of the group. Each participant completes a business plan for their new business idea.

What support do you offer to learners?

We support learners so that they can fully achieve their business potential. This programme is designed to be inclusive. To us that means that it is out job to help participants overcome any obstacle to starting and running their own business.

Basic computer skills training is included for learners.
Technology training is provided in cloud computing to allow participants full benefit from the package of support available online to small business owners.
Access to qualified dedicated tutors with in depth classroom skills and practical business experience who are readily available and support learners.
One to One mentoring and guidance throughout the programme both online and offline. Learners are encouraged to respect and support one another in a safe environment, to network and build lasting business relationships
Access to a package of support from OLDC.
Access to DEASP supports and Case Officers.

What days/times and duration?

Participants are contracted for 19.5 hours per week and are contracted to work Monday's & Tuesdays 9:00am to 5:00pm, Wednesday's 9:00am - 2:30pm . The programme is 26 weeks in duration.

We use a blended educational model of online, live collaboration, offline activities; classroom learning, assignments, one to one support and mentoring using modern technologies and teaching methods to encourage effective learning and engagement. Time is allocated for participants to work on their assignments and business plans.

Participants are contracted for 19.5 hours per week and are contracted to work Monday's & Tuesdays 9:00am to 5:00pm, Wednesday's 9:00am - 2:30pm . The programme is 26 weeks in duration.

How will the course be delivered?

We use a blended educational model of online and classroom based training.

Is the course certified?

Yes, We include 3 QQI level 5 certified modules, in collaboration with West Offaly Training, and numerous industry standard training on our programme.

Testimonials from past participants

Delighted with the way the course was delivered particularly during Covid -19. I believe with the extended time we were very lucky to do the modules and the extra training.
I found this course very helpful and informative and it gave me everything I need to succeed in my business. The tutors were excellent, helpful and friendly during the pandemic.
I thought the approach to running the course during COVID-19 was excellent and the support has been great. I was not expecting such great help and support from all the tutors..
I found the content very interesting and covering all of my expectations and delivered even more. I would highly recommend this course to anyone who is thinking of opening their business for the first time.

Is there a fee to take part?

When is the next programme?

The next Business Development Programme, here in Tullamore, commences week beginning 2nd October 2023. We expect demand to be high and would encourage those interested to book their place with us immediately.

Further information

For further information download the Business Development Programme brochure below or contact:

Des Regan

Business Development Programme Coordinator

Tel: 057 9322 850/ 087 9699998

Email: dregan@offalyldc.ie

A video on CE can be seen in the ‘What’s Going On’ section of the JobsIreland website - please click the link to watch the video.