Presentation: Cross Border Co-operation Best Practice and Future Opportunities from across the European Union by Sharon Daly, ASPIRE Programme Co-ordinator 13 th June 2013

Project partners

Overview The background to ASPIRE ASPIRE as an economic solution Unique features of ASPIRE ASPIRE Funding (INTERREG IVA) Key objectives for ASPIRE Benefits of ASPIRE Progress to date and next steps

Background 26,500 businesses in the EBR area 89% micro businesses Micro businesses struggling to achieve growth, sales and profit 178,000 graduates aged ,000 (11.2%) unemployed and rising Identified need for support

ASPIRE ASPIRE is a unique cross border economic development programme, designed to tackle some of the particular problems associated with the current economic downturn, primarily: Increasing pressure on small businesses to innovate, survive and remain competitive Increasing levels of graduate unemployment

ASPIRE is unique Designed for micro businesses not engaged in mainstream programmes Supports both technical and commercial business projects Investment in owner/manager training Development of a business plan for sustainable growth Supports and grows the bottom line Creates employment for graduates Cross border delivery

Funding available Eligible costs £ Sterling per graduate Total costCompany contribution ASPIRE support (INTERREG IVA) ASPIRE Graduate Salary 17,5003,60013,900 Employer NI Contribution 1,5750 Total £19,0753,600£15,475

Funding available Eligible costs €Euro per graduate Total costCompany contribution ASPIRE support (INTERREG IVA) ASPIRE Graduate Salary 20,7504,20016,550 PSRI2,2300 Total €22,9804,200€18,780

Performance targets Business support Assist 45 businesses within East Border Region to employ a graduate for 12 months (70% from NI and 30% from ROI) Turnover30% increase in turnover for businesses Cross Border Trade 33% of businesses to increase cross border trade by 5% Graduate jobs50% of graduates offered full time jobs Additional Jobs45 additional jobs to be created e.g. admin/production

Programme Delivery Stage 1Business RecruitmentJan – Feb 2013 Stage 2Identify the business need for a graduate and define the associated project and job role – March – May 2013 Stage 3Recruit, select and appoint the graduate June – Sept 2013 June – Sept 2013 Stage 4Mentor, monitor and measure project for 12 months against financial and performance targets On- going

Benefits to Businesses Support to businesses to draw up an effective business development plan Support to businesses throughout the graduate recruitment and selection process Provides businesses with affordable graduate skills for 12 months – 80% of salary funded by ASPIRE On-going advice and support from ASPIRE mentor Experience and training in project management Cross border networking opportunities

Benefits to Graduates Real, identifiable employment opportunities within the East Border Region – 45 posts available Opportunities for sustained employment and/or career progression On-going advice and support from ASPIRE mentor Experience and training in project management/ Committee management/Presentation skills Cross border networking opportunities

Progress to Date Letter of Offer Issued April 2012 Managing Agent appointed - Dec 2012 Programme launched - Jan 2013 Information sessions - Jan/Feb expressions of interest - Feb businesses eligible to apply to ASPIRE 90 businesses attended ASPIRE Master Classes 56 applications received by closing date 45 Projects approved 45 Jobs advertised on 7 th June 2013

Next Steps 45 graduate posts advertised on a cross border basis 45 graduates appointed and in post by October 2013 – October 2014

Thank yo