Business Innovation & Market Development – Idea Generation Course

This part- time free course from Cavan and Monaghan Education and Training Board – Skills to Advance is aimed at helping entrepreneurs, businesses, and employees develop essential tools for generating and developing new business ideas. This could include launching a new startup, creating a new product, or developing a new concept for an existing company.

Takes place on Tue, 1 Oct 2024 10:00 – 16:30 at Monaghan Institute.

Register here

Course Structure and Units

The full course consists of six short micro qualifications:

MQ01 Business Idea Generation: Learn techniques to brainstorm and identify viable business ideas.

MQ02 Business Idea Validation: Test and validate your ideas to ensure they are feasible and market-ready.

MQ03 Market Exploration: Conduct market research to understand industry trends and identify target markets.

MQ04 Customer Acquisition: Develop strategies to attract and secure your first customers.

MQ05 Market Development: Focus on growing your market presence and retaining customers.

MQ06 Customer Retention & Scaling: Learn how to scale your business operations effectively.

Qualifications

The Business Innovation and Market Development programme is accredited by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) and leads to a Level 6 Special Purpose Award on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ). Each micro qualification can be achieved as a stand alone qualification.

Course Features (MQ01 – MQ06)

• Business Planning: Comprehensive insights into creating a robust business plan.

• Marketing Strategies: Develop effective marketing strategies to promote your business.

• Financial and Investor Insights: Gain knowledge on financial management and attracting investors.

• Interactive Workshops: Engage in hands-on workshops to apply learned concepts in real-time.

• Business Pitch Style Presentations: Develop your communication and presentation skills and learn how to effectively pitch new business ideas

• Professional Mentorship: Opportunities to liaise with business professionals for guidance and support.

By the end of the course, learners will have a solid foundation in all aspects of business development, from idea generation to scaling and retention, equipping them with the necessary skills to succeed in business.

MQ01 Business Idea Generation Course Schedule – Starting 20th August 2024

Week 1: Tuesday 1st October 10:00am – 4:30pm (Induction, Critical Thinking)

Week 2: Tuesday 15th October 10:00am – 4:30pm (Opportunity Generation, Design Thinking)

Week 3: Tuesday 29th October 10:00am – 4:30pm (Business Model Canvas, Blue Ocean Thinking)

*Additional 1:1 online assignment tutor support will be available Tuesday 8th October & Tuesday 22nd October 2024*

Location: Monaghan Institute, Armagh Road, Knockaconny, Monaghan. Eircode: H18 FY94

Duration: 50 hours (including self-directed work)

Cost and Funding

This training programme is being offered through Skills to Advance funding and is aimed at those in full or part-time employment. CMETB will advise if any fees.

Employers – Grow your business output | Develop and review your business strategy plan | Apply new areas of innovation and market development into ideas | Access highly subsidised flexible training

Employee – Develop business and innovative skills for your career | Avail of personalised mentor support to meet the needs of your product or service | Access flexible accredited training

Support and Mentorship

Learners will receive online assignment mentor support to help identify opportunities and gaps in the market. This support will be available throughout the course to guide you through each unit.