Leverage technology to improve profitability - Enterprise Boards Launch Tech-Check

01 October, 2007

The City and County Enterprise Boards are launching a new service called Tech-Check. The Tech-Check programmes objective is to help owner managers of small businesses to take a fresh look at how they can use technology to improve their productivity and gain a competitive advantage. Under this programme, small businesses can avail of an independent Adviser to work with the owner/manager towards producing a practical technology plan.

How does it work?

A Mentor is assigned to your business and will arrange to visit you. The mentor will get to know what your business is about and what your overall plans are for its development. Together, you and your mentor will examine your existing technology using a diagnostic tool (basically a type of questionnaire) to identify opportunities for improving your business. This is used to develop a brief action plan based on the best of these opportunities.

Who is it for?

TechCheck is for every small business no matter what sector it operates in. Whether your business is a completely technology-free zone or is already using the best and newest technology, there is always a benefit in reviewing where you are now and planning where you wan to go next. There is no business that can not benefit from this service.

What do I get out of it?

Probably the most valuable benefit is the advice of the mentor as he works through the process with you.
The end result of the exercise is a basic written plan for the improvement of your business using technology. It will be given to you in writing and in electronic format. You can develop this plan further and even incorporate it into your main business plan.
The process of reviewing every aspect of technology as it applies to your business can be very enlightening in itself.

How long does it take?

For most businesses, the process can be completed within a day. This can be split into two half-day sessions.

How much does it cost?

The standard fee is €150.

This price is very heavily subsidised by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and represents only a fraction of the actual cost of the service.

For further information contact your local Enterprise Board or log in to http://www.enterpriseboards.ie/