Business development support AxisBIC helps firms raise €500m

Entrepreneurs invited to apply for latest support event

Michael Neary, Grant Thornton; Rena Maycock, Chirp; Larry O’Donoghue, AxisBIC, and Jim Barry, Barry Group at the Entrepreneur Experience alumni gathering, at Grant Thornton, Dublin. Applications are now open for this year’s AxisBIC Entrepreneur Experience, which is taking place in Cork on October 17th and 18th. Picture: Conor Ó Mearáin

A business development group which backs new enterprises in Munster has raised more than €500m for entrepreneurs through its intensive experience mentoring programme since its foundation 14 years ago.

AxisBIC is launching its 2025 Entrepreneur Experience, where entrepreneurs can get advice and support from some of Ireland’s most successful business leaders. The event takes place in Ballymaloe, in East Cork on October 17th and 18th.

The Entrepreneur Experience brings 24 emerging entrepreneurs together with 24 business leaders who offer advice and mentoring over 24 hours. The event was established in 2011 and has raised €500m for start-ups since.

Some of the emerging entrepreneurs who have participated in the programme include Crest Solutions (now Catalyx), Velo Coffee, Nicki Hoyne, All Real Nutrition, Green Rebel, Ground Wellbeing, and Doctrine Skincare.

“This event gives start-ups a unique opportunity to learn from some of the best in the country as well as getting invaluable peer-to-peer support over the two days,” said AxisBIC chief executive Larry O’Donoghue.

Investment firm, Quintas Capital, is coming on board this year’s Entrepreneur Experience as a new partner and joins existing partners including Cork City Council and Cork County Council.

Irish BICs (business innovation centres) provide support applying for the pre-seed start-up funding and offer mentorship and support. AxisBIC is one of four BICs operating in Ireland, alongside Propelor in the South-East, Furthr operating in Dublin and six other counties, and WestBIC in the west of Ireland. 

Formerly known as CorkBIC, AxisBIC has worked with start-ups in Cork and Kerry for the past 35 years and expanded its territory into the Midwest in 2024, offering services to start-ups in both Limerick and Clare.

AxisBIC provides support and essential business expertise to entrepreneurs to help them grow and succeed. 

Of the emerging entrepreneurs who participated in last year’s Entrepreneur Experience, 48% were founded or co-founded by women, coming from a range of sectors including fashion, food, medtech, AI, edtech, renewables, fitness, and skincare.

“It was heartening to see so many female founders at the Entrepreneur Experience in 2024 and it is a trend we hope to see continue as an increase in women take that leap of transforming an idea into a thriving business,” said Mr O’Donoghue.

The closing date for applications is Friday, September 5th and applications can be made via www.axisbic.com