Harnessing Creativity Project : CREATIVE LABS CALL FOR BUSINESSES TO JOIN

Highlights

• Clear opportunity to benefit from new product / service development without having to invest a lot of time or own money
• Resources being provided to support concept development include creative sector participants, mentors, access to additional expertise / specialist support as required
• Showcase Event – a good opportunity to profile business as an innovative one

For the past 6 weeks 30 people from the creative sector are working in what we are calling ‘Creative Labs’ happening at Leitrim Sculpture Centre, Manorhamilton, The Clinton Centre, Enniskillen & The Strule Arts Centre, Omagh. Their brief is to shape some new concepts for products or services for the Leitrim / Fermanagh / Omagh area or indeed beyond. which is truly new, different and inspiring and could become a viable business / income stream.

As the concepts take shape we have begun to identify where other businesses might be able to come on board and collaborate in taking ideas forward. Your business may well be able to benefit.

We are looking for 5 business people to come and join each of the three labs who are interested in being part of new concept development with a view to introducing new products or services to markets during the year / early next year.

Business participants will be able to get involved in the concept development and benefit from the creativity of the labs by joining the labs for a total of three meetings:

• Monday 24 June- 10am -4pm
• Monday 1 July – 10am -1pm
• Monday 29 July -10 am -1pm

The creative sector participants will be able to hire equipment and facilities to prototype and develop concept ideas, and these will be showcased in the Autumn. It may be that showcasing attracts interest from potential investors. Alternatively, some concepts will be supported to go on into further product development with some funding available (up to €3,000 per concept) and dedicated mentoring support. Involvement in concept development will provide an ideal showcase opportunity for businesses taking part in the labs, which will promote the creativity and innovation of the region – this is an ideal opportunity to get your business noticed as creative and innovative

What would we want from you?

There is no charge for taking part in the labs and you will not be expected to invest money of your own in concept development unless you wish to. The main requirement will be to commit a small amount of time and thought into concept development in collaboration with one or more creative sector participants, Businesses can help bring additional expertise on potential markets and where appropriate, approaches to manufacturing a product or delivering a service. We are aiming at bringing at least 6 new products or services to market as a result of the work.

If you feel interested in exploring new product or service lines within a unique support environment please let us know by forwarding your :

· Name-

· Contact details

· The nature of your business

· Preferred Lab Location – Leitrim, Fermanagh or Tyrone

Send your email to jill.stronge@omaghenterprise.co.uk We look forward to hearing from you.