Research & Innovation

The Rubicon Centre, situated on the campus of Cork Institute of Technology is Ireland’s leading business innovation hub.

It also boasts some of the most exciting start-up companies in the country at the moment.

Female Entrepreneurship Leads the Way this Spring at The Rubicon

Since opening its doors in 2006 the Rubicon has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs realise their dream by helping them to take their ideas and projects to the next stage. As an innovation centre for entrepreneurs, the Rubicon Centre provides help, support and encouragement to those who present a unique idea or highlight a market niche which they believe they can target.

The Rubicon offers a range of programmes for start-ups of all levels including the PINC programme for female entrepreneurs and the New Frontiers programme, as well as offering one to one mentoring in its 3000 square metre, state-of-the-art building.

Each programme has one thing in common; they allow participants the time, space and support required to determine the future of their business.

Female Entrepreneurs

PINC is a free programme for female entrepreneurs that is co-funded by A.I.B and Cork City Council and the Rubicon Centre. It runs part time over eight weeks under the guidance of the Rubicon Centre’s start-up specialists and allows participants to balance family commitments while at the same time planning and developing their business ventures. Applications are currently being accepted for the new programme which will commence on March 31st.

Over the eight-week period, participants are provided with the tools they need to grow and develop their business including; idea evaluation, business planning, market research, business funding, financial planning and business development.

There are also networking opportunities both within the Rubicon Centre and externally while participants have full access to the centre’s office facilities for the duration of the programme. Since 2011, more than 80 budding female entrepreneurs have participated in the PINC programme with many continuing to build their businesses and create employment.

Past graduate of PINC, Hajni Kele set up an artisan soap company, Mianra Soaps, which offer high quality handmade soaps with a modern twist. The beautiful soaps offer a multi-sensory experience with a luxurious feel and other-worldly scents. Hajni’s products are now available in over 50 shops nationwide, as well some niche outlets overseas.

To find out more about the Rubicon Centre’s programmes log on to www.rubiconcentre.ie/female-entrepreneurship/