THE founder of Aer Arann and Kerry businessman Jerry Kennelly are among the names who have joined forces to launch a Dragons Den-style project to assist aspiring entrepreneurs.

There’s no doubt Ireland cares deeply about Africa. We give aid, deploy peacemakers and welcome migrants.

SEVERAL of the country’s most successful businessmen and women will share their tips and secrets with the next generation of budding movers and shakers, testing their mettle and checking if they have the entrepreneurial skill or E-Factor, to succeed.

YOUNG radio listeners in Munster will have a new choice from Monday when Limerick-based SPIN South West goes on air.

THE Broadcasting Commission of Ireland (BCI) will today announce the winner of the licence to operate a youth-focused radio station across the south-west.

The second quarter of 2006 was one of the most active for mergers and acquisitions (M&A) involving Irish companies, both in terms of the value and number of deals, the second quarter M&A Tracker survey by corporate finance firm Ion Equity revealed today.

The number of merger and acquisition deals involving Irish companies increased by 30% to 38 in the first quarter of 2006 compared to the same period a year earlier, the latest M&A tracker survey from corporate finance specialists Ion Equity reveals.

THE sale of Kerry-based images company, Stockbyte, last week for €110m could inspire other success stories from a hi-tech centre in Tralee.

A Kerry-based company has been snapped up by a US multinational in a deal worth over €110m.

A KERRY company, started modestly 10 years ago, was purchased yesterday for a massive €110 million by the world’s leading creator and distributor of images for use in the mass media.

Ernst & Young has announced the Irish shortlist for the 2005 Entrepreneur of the Year Programme.

Stockbyte, the Irish-owned, global stock photography leader, has announced it has reached an agreement with Getty Images, the world’s leading imagery company, to distribute Stockbyte royalty-free images.

An awards scheme for exporting in small to medium enterprises has been launched in Dublin.

Stockbyte, the Irish owned, global stock photography leader, today announced that it has bought out the 30% stake held by its venture capital partner, ACT Venture Capital, for an undisclosed sum.

TRALEE-BASED Stockbyte has completed the multi-million buyout of the 30% stake held in the company by ACT Venture Capital.

A BLEND of cutting edge technology and native cunning enabled Kerry company Stockbyte to snatch the title of DHL Exporter of the Year, managing director Jerry Kennelly said yesterday.

The 2002 DHL Exporter of the Year Awards will take place in Dublin on Thursday at midday.

Dublin based "Macalla Software" is the fourth of this year's finalists to be selected for the DHL Export Awards.