Dun Laoghaire Rathdown Trust Fund

I just heard about this, although the news is 10 days old...sorry about that! 

An exciting opportunity for existing and budding entrepreneurs based in the Dun Laoghaire Rathdown area of our fair city.  From an article in the Indo, it looks like interest free loans are becoming available through a couple of the county's quango's! 

A trust fund has been set up by Atlantic Philanthropies, the Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Enterprise Board and the Southside Partnership.  It will charge no interest (just an admin fee) over 1, 2 or 3 years and the amounts can be small like €500 or medium, like €5,000 - or anything in between.  The trust has been set up to specifically aid those who want to start a business but cannot raise capital (working or otherwise) elsewhere.  It is especially relevant for those who are unemployed or suffer a disability. 

It sounds like you still need a business plan to apply - along with the obligatory application form - but there is no security required on these babies so all it's going to take is your time.  What's more there are tons of advisors out there willing to give you a helping hand with the application form and business planning process - I'm sure DLR CEB would be able to point you in the right direction on that when you are making your enquiry.

More information is available through the DLR County Enterprise Board's website, here.  Fair play to philanthropists the world over...the enterprise world needs more please!!

Richard Branson's People Factor

Richard Branson tweeted earlier today about an article available online which outlines what his top five tips are for success in business - specifically for entrepreneurs. 

In sum, they are:

1. Find good people
2. Realise that the employees are the business
3. Look for the best in your people - lavish praise, never criticise
4. Don't take yourself too seriously
5. Just do it

To read the entire article, pop over to TODAYonline...