The aims and objectives of the Knowledge North West Programme are as follows:

• To increase the knowledge and enhance the skills of SME’s to develop and grow through cross-border trade relationships and international market development
• To stimulate the development of innovative cross-border opportunities for businesses
• To increase participant companies knowledge of large scale procurement contracts
• To increase the capacity and widen the scope of micro enterprises and SME’s leading to additional employment and consolidation of existing jobs and related economic and social benefits to the local communities.

The enterprises will benefit from a combination of one-to-one guidance and support, cluster guidance and support, group training (for promoters, managers and staff) and joint actions such as co-operative marketing or purchasing initiatives. The enterprises will also be given the opportunity to attend a large All Ireland Networking event during the programme. In addition, in cases where companies are expanding or carrying out R&D programmes, the programme will assist them identifying the most appropriate finance sources to fund these activities.

Businesses in the North West Region who want to increase their level of cross border trade and develop international markets.

Throughout the year, each company will receive expert guidance and support from experienced mentors on a regular basis particularly in areas such as:

• Analysis of opportunities for selling complementary ranges of products on a cross border basis
• Consideration of cross-border co-operation to cope with peak demands by sub-contracting to sources of spare capacity in manufacture and distribution
• Dissemination of information to the participants relating to large scale procurement contracts, e.g. public sector bodies, multiple retailers etc.
• Visiting and becoming aware of successful companies to act as role models to mitigate any perceived cultural barriers.

During the recruitment phase, a number of clusters will be identified based on participant companies with similar backgrounds, target markets and goals. Each of these clusters will receive four group sessions of expert guidance and support from experienced mentors particularly in areas such as:

• Developing further networks within the clusters and identifying how the companies can benefit from cross-border and cross community business
• Examining opportunities for selling complementary ranges of products on a cross-border basis
• Considering cross-border co-operation to cope with peak demands by sub-contracting to sources of spare capacity
• Disseminating information to the participants relating to large scale procurement contracts, e.g. public sector bodies, multiple retailers, etc
• Visiting and becoming aware of successful companies to act as role models to mitigate any perceived cultural barriers
• Identifying the most appropriate finance sources The programme will direct participant companies in relation to the financing of proposed development of cross-border markets, processes or research and development activities.

A number of Group Training and Networking Sessions will be organised at different locations on either side of the border in both Derry and Donegal. These sessions will involve guest speakers delivering lectures and case studies on relevant topics with opportunities for group discussion and for people to network and meet one another.Topics may include:

• Cross-Border Marketing Techniques
• Communications/Selling Skills
• Financial Management and Business Planning
• Funding Strategies for micro businesses / SMEs: grant aid, VC, private investors etc
• Intellectual Property and Legal issues
• E-business including advantages and pitfalls presented by e-business, Internet security, on-line business transactions and banking, etc.

A needs analysis will highlight the needs of individuals and may result in specific additional training. In addition staff training will take place on topics such as: Computer skills, customer care, communications skills and personal development. While the training will be a very important element of the programme, the interaction between the participants themselves and the transactions which take place “on the fringes” will be more significant for the success of the programme.

In addition, the group of participants will be encouraged to participate in common marketing and distribution initiatives and joint trade exhibitions on a cross border basis, particularly to niche markets.

• 8 group training sessions on topics relevant to your business and its future development
• 12 staff training sessions relating to general issues facing staff of SMEs
• Networking with other businesses North & South
• 3 individual mentor sessions with experienced and expert mentors
• 4 cluster mentor sessions with other similar companies and experienced and expert mentors
• Assistance with participation/attendance at large networking event
• Direction to finance for development of cross-border markets, processes or research and development activities