Plato Cork: The Business Support Network for Owner-Managers

Are you an owner-manager of an SME in operation with potential to grow? If the answer is YES, then take a serious look at the Plato Programme.

Many owner-managers suffer from isolation and do not receive the expert inputs and interchange with peers. As an owner-manager you may often feel the need to access specialist expertise. Perhaps you have wondered how other companies have tackled the issues you are facing. Or, you may wish to develop your skills in areas such as business planning, marketing, e-commerce or finance. If so, Plato can help by providing you with practical training, business counselling and support.

Research shows that Plato participants reported the following:
-An average increase of 31% in turnover
-A 26% in new jobs created
-97% said they would recommend the programme to other companies
-Over 50% acquired new business through the Plato network
-The average level of management skills across the key business areas more than doubled.

PLATO Cork is currently funded through the Local Enterprises Offices and Cork City Council.
PLATO has been running successfully since 1988 in Europe and in Ireland since the mid-1990s.
The aim of PLATO Cork is to:
-To promote the successful development of indigenous SMEs
-Provide a safe and confidential forum for owner/managers to develop their businesses and their management skills
-Facilitate sharing of experiences and resources
-Encourage networking and business development
-Promote Partnerships with Parents / Participants
-Providing SME owner managers with;
-1 to 1 mentoring support
-Facilitated group learning / Training seminars
-Specialist expertise and advice
-Networking opportunities
-Business development training
The programme also provides participant companies with an opportunity to work through a dedicated improvement plan for their business with the support of a dedicated Group Coordinator, key leaders in local industry, project staff, trainers and mentors.

How Plato works:

The Plato Programme is led by managers from large companies in your area. These ‘parent’ companies provide experienced executives to support you throughout the two year programme. Groups of owner-managers meet to discuss issues relevant to their companies, learn from the experience of other owner-managers, and obtain answers to key questions from a range of group of recognised experts. Plato is highly practical and meets the real needs of small businesses by letting you decide the topics to be covered.

There are opportunities for one-to-one consultations, participation in development workshops, special programmes to maximise you company’s competitiveness and numerous networking opportunities.

For further information contact Plato Cork: Tel: 021-4211433
info@platocork.ie