South East BIC launches Strategic Plan 2023-2025

South East BIC, a certified EU|BIC is a public private company, limited by guarantee and a registered charity, was founded in February 1995. Its purpose is to support innovative early stage start-ups and existing SMEs with the ambition to innovate and grow and to work in partnership with relevant agencies supporting job creation and enterprise. It also provides limited physical incubation space at its offices in Waterford. South East BIC is a fully accredited member of EBN, the European Business Innovation Centre Network.

South East BIC’s primary role is in the identification and support of innovative start-ups and SMEs in Waterford, Wexford, Kilkenny, Tipperary and Carlow, through the provision of consultancy supports. The BIC’s role is to support entrepreneurs at various stages of their business development – from concept, through start-up and early-growth phases. In undertaking this work it also works closely with other stakeholders, namely, Enterprise Ireland, the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs), Halo Business Angel Network (HBAN), Seed Funds, VCs, the South East Technological University (SETU) and others in the Region.

Our 27 year track record working with innovative and entrepreneurs can be seen when reviewing the most recent strategic period and highlighting the impressive success of startups in the region.

The South East BIC strategy for 2023-25 is now launched and alligns closely to Enterprise Ireland’s strategic ambitions as set out in the EI Strategy “Leading in a Changing World” for the period 2022–2025.

The key themes of the new South East BIC strategy are as follows:

1. We will build on our 27-year track record of working with innovative entrepreneurs and startups
2. We will continue to collaborate and partner with key international, national and regional stakeholders to ensure that the South East is a great place to start a business
3. We will ensure that South East BIC is well run, relevant and responsive to the needs of our clients and partners

To achieve this, South East BIC will pursue the following 4 strategic pillars:

1. Provide consultancy, guidance and intensive support to innovative entrepreneurs throughout their startup and early-growth journey
2. Assist with access to funding – the right funding at the right time for startups
3. Encourage and stimulate entrepreneurship and innovation across our region
4. Ensure that South East BIC has the structure, capacity and resources to deliver this plan

Tony Ruane, Chair of South East BIC, said “South East BIC’s 2023-2025 strategic plan sets out our high-level strategic direction for the next 3 years.  The plan will deliver impact here in the South East, working in partnership with our regional partners and stakeholders.  The plan’s strategic intent is aligned with the BIC’s mission as a certified member of the European BIC Network (EBN), and with Enterprise Ireland’s 2022-2025 Strategy, to support and grow innovative, export-focused high potential startups in the Region.”

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