November 7, 2008
BizSpark, support for start-ups
We attended an event in Dublin last night organised by Microsoft. They were launching a new program called BizSpark to support start-up tech companies. Basically you get the Visual Studio tools, SQL, MSDN free for three years if you are approved. You also get good reductions from their business partners on the program - Dell, BT, Blacknight, C Infinity to name a few and access to a support network. Not too sure what avenue the support network takes but some great savings to be made on the software side alone.
It was an interesting evening, with a mixture of talks, forums, networking and a few free drinks 
There was a panel debate about starting new businesses and the associated problems. The panel were taking questions from the audience on a number of areas relating to the issues start-ups face today. There were some interesting questions - the lack of political will to foster entrepreneurial activity was heating up but unfortunately it came to a bit of a premature end. Also it was great to see representation from Norn Iron, Invest NI also offer some great programs and financial incentives for direct investment.
It was followed by Digital Media Island meet-up which included presentations from locle and JustRoutes , first time we’ve been to one of their events - good to do some networking and meet up with like minded people.
All in all this was an excellent event, and fair play to Microsoft for helping small businesses get going!
Nice writing. You are on my RSS reader now so I can read more from you down the road.
Allen Taylor