A guide to resources for start-ups

EDITOR'S CHOICE
Free software from Sage

Sage’s free Planning for Business software can help you successfully plan, launch and run your business by assisting you in identifying what you need to do to get started.
Seven cool things about Windows 7

In the shops since last October, Microsoft's newest operating system (OS) is top of the range. Here are seven reasons to consider upgrading.

Office on the Move

A new mobile business pack, which includes a netbook or laptop PC in the monthly price.

Blueface 'Banter' app

This app gives iPhone users a 'virtual landline number' and can save you up to 90pc on calls.

Sage Planning for Business

Download FREE - Planning for Business software

MiFi from 3

The MiFi device is a combination of a broadband dongle and your own mini wireless router.

An all-in-one desktop

HP has introduced an energy-efficient, space-saving and clutter-free desktop PC, the HP All-in-One200.

Grabbing the Oyster!

This book by Pearce Flannery is full of insights from some of Ireland's most successful business people.

RESOURCES

O2 Release Edge Plus

O2 has introduced a new price plan for business Smartphones of €20 per month (excluding VAT), which includes 3GB of data for email and internet usage.

The plan – O2 Release Edge Plus - applies to all Smartphones in O2’s range including iPhone and Palm Pre devices. In addition, it includes free texts to all Irish mobiles, free calls to company O2 mobiles and free calls to ten company landlines.

“There has never been a better time for business to go mobile,” commented Alan Brown, Business Sales Director - Telefónica O2 Ireland (pictured). “This new plan makes it more cost effective than ever for even the smallest company to be able to use email and access the web while on the move.”

According to IDC, a total of 54.7 million smartphone units were shipped globally in the first quarter of 2010 which is up 56.7 per cent on the same period last year and more than double the growth in the overall mobile phone market.*

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Useful Links

Business
1. Business and Leadership
  Ireland's leading online source for breaking business news from Ireland and the world; plus analysis, features and interviews with the decision makers and thought leaders.
2. Companies Registration Office
  The Companies Registration Office is the central repository of public statutory information on Irish companies and business names.
3. Endeavour
  Endeavour is an intensive global launch pad for entrepreneurs. It is targeted at ambitious, high achievers who are totally focused on changing the business space they are about to enter. They need not necessarily have been in business up to now, but will have proven themselves as achievers in their career or some other aspect of their lives.
4. Irish Franchise Association
  The Irish Franchise Association promotes the development of franchising in Ireland through exhibitions, seminars, newsletters, awards and networking.
5. Irish Internet Association
  Established in 1997, the Irish Internet Association (IIA) is the professional body for those conducting business via the internet from Ireland. The IIA provides leadership to enterprises and society conducting business in Ireland.
6. Irish Patents Office
  The Patents Office provides an efficient and effective system of industrial property protection through the implementation of the relevant legislation.
7. Revenue Commissioners
  Provides information on Irish tax and customs.
8. Social Entrepreneurs Ireland
  Social Entrepreneurs Ireland aims to encourage and support the development of social entrepreneurship in Ireland. Its mission is to promote social entrepreneurship by fostering the early stage development of a new generation of social entrepreneurs and by actively working in conjunction with the business, third level, public and voluntary sectors to support the development of a new social entrepreneurship movement. 
Education
1. FÁS
  Ireland's national training and employment authority
2. M50 Enterprise Programme
  The M50 Enterprise Programme is an enterprise support programme provided in partnership by four higher-education institutions located in the M50 economic corridor.
Funding
1. AIB Business Banking
  Details of AIB's business start-up package.
2. City and County Enterprise Boards
  CEBs provide direct grant support to new and existing enterprises and promote entrepreneurship, capacity building and women-in-business at local level.
Networking
1. Plato Ireland
  Plato Ireland is a confidential business support forum for owner managers of SMEs.
Support
1. BASIS - Business Access to State Information and Services
  This website has been developed in order to provide business with a single access point to all government information and services.
2. Enterprise Ireland
  Enterprise Ireland is the government agency responsible for the development and promotion of the indigenous business sector.
3. InterTradeIreland
  InterTradeIreland has been given responsibility by both governments to boost North/South economic co-operation to the mutual benefit of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
4. Shannon Development
  A government-owned regional development company dedicated to promoting and developing the Shannon Region.
5. Synergy Centre
  Synergy Centre at ITT Dublin is the innovation centre of South Dublin County, providing office space and business supports to early-stage enterprises.
6. The Health and Safety Authority (HSA)
  The Irish state-sponsored body with responsibility for securing safety, health and welfare at work.
7. Údarás na Gaeltachta
  Údarás na Gaeltachta is the regional authority responsible for the economic, social and cultural development of the Gaeltacht.
8. Young Entrepreneur Programme and Awards
  The Young Entrepreneur Programme is dedicated to illustrating the validity of entrepreneurship as a career choice, helping to identify, inform, recognise and celebrate Kerry’s next generation of business leaders - and their educators.
Technology
1. Digital 21
  Digital 21 is a campaign to highlight the imperative of creating an action programme to secure the digital infrastructure and services upon which the success of the Irish economy depends.
2. Gadget Republic
  A great guide to all the latest gadgets and gizmos!
3. Silicon Republic
  Ireland's technology news service, winner of ‘Best Technology Website’ Award at the Realex Irish Web Awards 2009
4. Tibus
  eBusiness solutions provider encompassing web design, web app development, networks infrastructure, hosting and broadband provision.

Bizstartup.ie - RESOURCES

EDITOR'S CHOICE

Free software from Sage

Seven cool things about Windows 7

Office on the Move

Blueface 'Banter' app

Sage Planning for Business

MiFi from 3

An all-in-one desktop

Grabbing the Oyster!

RESOURCES

O2 Release Edge Plus

Useful Links

Business

Education

Funding

Networking

Support

Technology

Biz Centre