European UnionEuropean Regional Development FundInvesting in your future

P L A TO E B R

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GILL SANS BOLDGILL SANS BOLD

P L ATO E B R

E A S T B O R D E R R E G I O N

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P L AT O E A S T B O R D E R R E G I O N

Take the next step: To register your interest in the Programme please contact us.

To see lists of events for your area or to download a copy of the

application form visit www.platoebr.com.

Unit 4, M:TEK BuildingArmagh Road, MonaghanCo. Monaghan, Ireland T: +353 (0) 47 81975M: +353 (0) 86 022 7123E: info@platoebr.comW: www.platoebr.com

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B U I L D I N G YO U R

B U S I N E S S N E T W O R K

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SMEs can network and share ideas with other owner managers and parent companies to achieve

sales growth

Past PLATO participants can network and share ideas with

other owner managers to achieve sales growth

Companies will meet to work together towards common

objectives within a particular sector

10-12 facilitated monthly meetings

6 bi-monthly meetings 10 facilitated group meetings particular sector

Guest speaker events Guest speaker events Guest speaker events

At least 3 mentoring sessions and opportunity to attend at least

3 training events

Opportunity to attend at least 3 training events

Group mentoring, facilitation and training events

Opportunity to attend at least 3 cross border trade events

Opportunity to attend at least 3 cross border trade events

Opportunity to attend at least 3 cross border trade events

Engagement with Parent companies

Engagement with past participants

Clustering activity with other similar SMEs across the East

Border Region

Access to new markets and networking opportunities with other PLATO groups across

the East Border Region and the PLATO Ireland network

Access to new markets and networking opportunities with other PLATO fora across the East Border Region and the

PLATO Ireland network

Provision of a cluster strategy for their sector

GROUP GRADUATE FORUM CLUSTER

Is there a financial cost for participating in the programme?PLATO EBR is a non-profit making organisation; however participants will be expected to pay

a small annual membership fee which will contribute to the ERDF matched funding requirement.

P L A TO E B R

Outline

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GILL SANS BOLDGILL SANS BOLD

P L ATO E B R

E A S T B O R D E R R E G I O N

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This project is part financed by the European Union’s INTERREG IVA

Cross Border Programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body.

PLATO EBR Programme

The PLATO EBR Programme aims to strategically assist any growth-seeking micro or

small to medium sized enterprise located within the East Border Region area of Northern

Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. With the assistance of larger parent companies who

have been through the growth trajectory, smaller companies can join a safe learning

environment to share their problems and gain sound advice at critical decision points

in their personal or business life cycle. Through the PLATO EBR network, small growth-

oriented companies can achieve financial stability and sustainability.

W W W . P L AT O E B R . C O M

PLATO EBR will provide SME owner managers with:

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Parent Companies

PLATO EBR offers SMEs a unique

partnership with large local companies,

known as parent companies, which help and

support small companies in their area. Each

parent company nominates a senior manager

to assist in facilitating the monthly group

meetings as well as offering access to their

full range of management expertise.

PLATO EBR: A Network of Networks

The power of the PLATO approach also

extends beyond the local programme.

There are active PLATO Programmes

elsewhere in Ireland. PLATO Programmes

are also delivered in England, Belgium, the

Netherlands, Finland, Denmark, Sweden,

France, Poland, Serbia and New Zealand.

The collaboration between the local project

leaders in the different regions and countries

opens enormous perspectives for the SMEs.

The local project leaders know their own

network very well and can act as perfect

intermediaries between other PLATO

regions. Plato therefore can be a practical way

to Europe and beyond for SMEs.

Do you want to grow your business?

Would you likehelp from others

who have ‘been there - done that’?

Do you feel asense of isolation

as an ownermanager?

Could youuse expert

help in tackling new

business challenges?

Do you want to develop new

links locally, nationally and

internationally?

About PLATO EBR

The PLATO EBR Programme is a

business development programme providing

opportunities for networking and management

development to SME’s (includes micro-scale

enterprises and sole traders).

The programme offers owner managers

a business support forum where they

can network and discuss business ideas

with established large parent companies

in the region. These parent companies

are leaders in their industry sectors, and

support the programme by sharing their

skills and experience within the network.

The programme also provides participant

companies with an opportunity to work

through a 12 month dedicated improvement

plan for their business with the support of

a dedicated group coordinator, key leaders

in local industry, project staff, trainers

and mentors.

Who is this programme suitable for?

SME Companies who:

Eligibility:

PLATO Ireland research shows that 98% of owner managers would recommend PLATO to others, over 50% acquired new business through PLATO and 85% noted a significant improvement in their internal systems.

Is PLATO EBR for you…can you answer YES to any of the following?

Do you want to dobusiness

crossborder?

Have you limited time and

resources?

Could you usedirect contact

with multinationalcompanies?

What next?Read more ...

Do you need to upgrade your own

management skills?

Being the owner manager of a SME can be a lonely place where you are expected to be an expert on all types of issues. Being part of the PLATO programme puts you in regular contact with other owner managers that have experienced the same issues.Malachy McElmeel, McElmeel Mobility

I have been involved with PLATO in past networking events and look forward to participating in the new programme.Brian Morgan, Morgan & McManus Solicitors

I find PLATO an excellent model for networking, quality enterprise-led training and invaluable in helping me to focus on the key issues within my business.Tom McArdle, Carlingford Adventure Centre

Require help in facing the challenges

associated with business development.

Wish to share with other owner managers

how to tackle mutual SME issues.

Wish to develop their management

skills and expertise.

Are willing to actively participate in a

tailored programme to suit their needs.

Are willing to pay a small annual

membership fee.

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SME enterprises in all areas of

commercial activity (except purely retail).

Only SME companies operating within

the East Border Region area and Meath.

SME companies with senior management

support who can demonstrate a

clear commitment to the programme.

Membership is typically for a 12 month

period.

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Belfast International

Belfast City

Holywood

Newtownards

Portadown

Armagh Banbridge Downpatrick

Newcastle

Newry

Monaghan

Dundalk

Drogheda

Navan

Dublin(35km)

Join a network in the East Border

Region

Facilitated group learning.

Specialist expertise and advice.

Networking opportunities.

Business development training.

Unique partnership with large

parent companies.

Access to new markets.

A support package value of €2000 /£1600 approx.

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