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AIB Kerry and HQ Tralee Launch Start up Support Programme for Small Business. Pictured at the launch were, from left; Joe Shannon AIB Branch manager Tralee, Sean Healy Head of AIB Kerry, Ken Tobin HQ Tralee co-founder, Margaret Griffin AIB Retail & Business manager Kerry and Tim O’Leary HQ Tralee co-founder. Photo By : Domnick Walsh © Eye Focus LTD ©
A NEW business support competition for start-up businesses was launched in Tralee on Monday.
The competition was launched by AIB Kerry and HQ Tralee, the co-working and mixed office space in Tralee co-founded by Tom O’Leary and Ken Tobin.
The competition which is open to existing and new AIB business customers, will see four start up businesses avail of six months free dedicated desk space in HQ Tralee and access to a range of business supports.
HQ Tralee was established in 2016 to provide start up and small businesses a space to work from, collaborate and grow their business.
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Currently there are over 50 businesses including remote workers operating out of the HQ Tralee Campus on Abbey St. and Dominick Street.
“We have been interested in running a competition like this for some time with a view to giving new start-ups an opportunity to develop their business in an environment that encourages collaboration and creativity. We wanted to remove the barriers for start-ups by providing free space and access to mentors and business advice,” stated Tom O’Leary co-founder of HQ Tralee.
“We approached Joe Shannon of AIB Tralee and Sean Healy, Head of AIB Kerry, as they have always supported our business model at HQ Tralee. We are delighted to partner with AIB Kerry who are sponsoring the competition”.
“We welcome the opportunity to sponsor this initiative and are delighted to be partnering with HQ Tralee on providing this great opportunity to our business customers. AIB are committed to supporting start up and small business and the real business supports for the winners reflects our Backing Brave ethos,” stated Sean Healy, Head of AIB Kerry.
The competition is open to new and existing AIB business customers. Businesses must be at a start-up stage i.e. less than 18 months. The application process opens on Monday, May 21 and will close at 12noon on Friday, June 29.
Application details are available from Business Customer Advisors in AIB Branches across Kerry. Shortlisting will take place in early July with 4 winners chosen by the end of July. The winners will receive the following package of supports:
• 6 months free dedicated desk space in HQ Tralee
• 25% discount on membership of HQ Tralee for a further 6 months
• Access to business mentor supports in HQ Tralee
• Access to financial advice through AIB Business Customer Advisors
• Access to all HQ Tralee training and networking events
• Full benefits of HQ Membership
Further information is available in your local AIB Branch and on www.hqtralee.com. A further competition for four additional businesses will be launched at the end of the year.
