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Tech Dragons
What could you do with a whole year to develop your business? We’re offering 50 brilliant businesses the opportunity to spend 12 fully-funded months here at ICE.
Following on from an extraordinary response to the intake in November 2015 and again in September 2016 where over 100 entrepreneurs were awarded a position at ICE, we are now looking to support the next generation of start-up businesses.
The support will be delivered through our ICE 50, where 50 start-up businesses will receive a fully-funded package including a full-time desk, a tailored mentoring programme, creative workshops, full telephone and high-speed internet access and one-to-one support for 12 months.
The funding is designed to give start-up businesses a structured route to sustainability, creating jobs and boosting the Welsh economy.
One company that has benefited from the funding is Four Minutes, a first aid company which is named after the time-window to prevent brain damage in someone not breathing.
Founded by Fotini Teneketzi in Athens in 2008, the company is currently in the process of developing specialist first aid technology to help transform the education sector.
Fotini and her partner were looking for somewhere in Wales to set up and said ICE stood out as the perfect place. She said:
“Much of our business relied on a positive vibe and personality,
“In fact, we were regular contributors to three Greek TV channels, including a weekly health show called Alpha Check Up. Here in Wales, we were looking for that same atmosphere which we found in the community at ICE.
“The buzz of creativity and productivity suited how we see our business operating – we really felt at home. We’ve hit the ground running since joining in July, picking up a few corporate jobs as well as collaborating with another ICE member, United Motorcycle Advanced Training.
We are excited by the opportunities here in Caerphilly and feel that we have everything we need to grow our business and take it to the next level.”
Chief of Operations, Mandy Weston, said:
“The response to our previous round of applications was phenomenal and we were delighted to welcome businesses such as Fotini’s.
“This year we hope to have a similar level of demand, especially since opening our new space on campus last Autumn, the Octagon.
“We want to reach out to those who have recently started a business and are finding that working from home is not all they thought it would be. The spirit of collaboration and support at ICE is a testament to how welcoming the community is.
“We would encourage budding entrepreneurs to put their business ideas on paper and apply. With the guidance and support of the ICE campus, it really is possible to start and grow your own business.”
Businesses are invited to submit their ideas to ICE through the website
For more information, call the ICE Angels on 02920 140 040.
