The first training group of the Ecosystem Development Programme, within the scope of Izmir Network and Innovation Centre Project, implemented by Teknopark Izmir, has been concluded successfully with the participation of key actors of the Izmir entrepreneurship ecosystem. The training was delivered over four weeks by national and international experts focusing on themes specific to the entrepreneurial ecosystem relevant to the interface organisations.
The training programme opened with the first session entitled “Developing Coaching and Mentoring Networks” on 14 and 15 September in Teknopark Izmir. On the first day of training, representatives of interface organisations that offer various supports to entrepreneurs discussed the significance of the relationship between the mentor and mentee. The trainers also asked participants to assess the current mentoring programmes in the city. On the second day of the course, the structuring of efficient coaching and mentoring programmes was one of the key points of discussion, with a strong emphasis on international examples.
The second training session, entitled “Developing and Delivering High-Impact Entrepreneur Support Programmes” was delivered on 21 – 22 September at IzQ Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre. The first day of the course saw the participants from influential interface organisations brainstorming the needs of the entrepreneurs. There followed a session where the experts provided the participants with successful international examples, and urged them to evaluate the currently existing support mechanisms in the ecosystem. On the final day of the training, the participants analysed various international collaboration examples and highlighted differences from the local programmes.
The third training session took place on 28 – 29 September at the premises of the Aegean Exporters’ Association under the title of “Getting Companies Ready for Investment”. On the first day of the training, the participants were informed of the key issues related to investment readiness, such as the investment needs of the early-stage companies, appropriate investor–entrepreneur matching and the importance of the pitch-deck. The final day of the training saw the trainers giving special attention to the points that should be taken into consideration during investment negotiations. The trainers also provided international examples.
The fourth training session, entitled “Promoting Your Organisations and Programmes”, was delivered at the IzQ Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre on 6 October. During the training, the participants were informed of the promotion and marketing of entrepreneur support programmes both on online and offline media platforms.
The fifth and final training session of the first group took place at IzQ Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre on 7 October. During the training, entitled “Supporting Internationalisation”, the participants were offered detailed information on the internationalisation process, smart take-off approach and choosing the right market. Emphasising important aspects of internationalisation with global success stories, the training concluded Izmir NIC Ecosystem Development Training Programme.
The second group of the training programme started on 12 – 13 October, with the first session entitled “Developing Active Mentoring and Coaching Networks”. This will be followed by “Supporting Internationalisation” on 18 October, “Promoting Your Organisations and Programmes” on 20 October, “Developing and Delivering High-Impact Entrepreneurship Support Programmes” on 26 – 27 October, and will conclude with “Getting Companies Ready for Investment” on 2-3 November.
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İzmir NIC – İzmir Network and Innovation Centre Project
İzmir Network and Innovation Centre (İzmir NIC) Project, is implemented by Teknopark İzmir within the scope of the Ministry of Industry and Technology Competitive Sectors Programme, realised with the financial support of the European Union and the Republic of Turkey, aiming to enhance the commercialisation and internationalisation of innovative products, by fostering networks and strategic partnership among relevant stakeholders. The project, focusing on ICT and RE sectors, which are among the pioneers of economic development; aims to increase the capacities of innovation ecosystem actors (SME, Start-up, TTO, TGB, R&D Centres, etc.) in İzmir through training, Acceleration programmes, mentoring support, and networking activities.
The project, implemented with partners İzmir Institute of Technology (İYTE) and the Software Industrialists Association (YASAD), will run for 3 years.
