13 th june 2013
DESCRIPTION
Presentation: Cross Border Co-operation Best Practice and Future Opportunities from across the European Union by Sharon Daly, ASPIRE Programme Co-ordinator. 13 th June 2013. Project partners. Overview. The background to ASPIRE ASPIRE as an economic solution Unique features of ASPIRE - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
Presentation: Cross Border Co-operationBest Practice and Future Opportunities from across the European Union
by Sharon Daly, ASPIRE Programme Co-ordinator
13th June 2013
Project partners
Overview• The background to ASPIRE• ASPIRE as an economic solution• Unique features of ASPIRE• ASPIRE Funding (INTERREG IVA)• Key objectives for ASPIRE• Benefits of ASPIRE• Progress to date and next steps
Background• 26,500 businesses in the EBR area• 89% micro businesses• Micro businesses struggling to achieve
growth, sales and profit• 178,000 graduates aged 20 - 29• 20,000 (11.2%) unemployed and rising• Identified need for support
ASPIRE
ASPIRE is a unique cross border economic development programme, designed to tackle some of the particular problems associated with the current economic downturn, primarily:• Increasing pressure on small businesses to
innovate, survive and remain competitive• Increasing levels of graduate unemployment
ASPIRE is unique• Designed for micro businesses not engaged in
mainstream programmes• Supports both technical and commercial
business projects• Investment in owner/manager training• Development of a business plan for sustainable
growth• Supports and grows the bottom line• Creates employment for graduates• Cross border delivery
Funding availableEligible costs£ Sterling per graduate
Total cost Company contribution
ASPIRE support(INTERREG IVA)
ASPIRE Graduate Salary
17,500 3,600 13,900
Employer NI Contribution
1,575 0 1,575
Total £ 19,075 3,600 £15,475
Funding availableEligible costs €Euro per graduate
Total cost Company contribution
ASPIRE support(INTERREG IVA)
ASPIRE Graduate Salary
20,750 4,200 16,550
PSRI 2,230 0 2,230
Total € 22,980 4,200 €18,780
Performance targetsBusiness support
Assist 45 businesses within East Border Region to employ a graduate for 12 months (70% from NI and 30% from ROI)
Turnover 30% increase in turnover for businesses
Cross Border Trade
33% of businesses to increase cross border trade by 5%
Graduate jobs 50% of graduates offered full time jobs
Additional Jobs 45 additional jobs to be created e.g. admin/production
Programme DeliveryStage 1 Business Recruitment Jan –
Feb 2013
Stage 2 Identify the business need for a graduate and define the associated project and job role –
March – May 2013
Stage 3 Recruit, select and appoint the graduate June – Sept 2013
June – Sept 2013
Stage 4 Mentor, monitor and measure project for 12 months against financial and performance targets
On-going
Benefits to Businesses• Support to businesses to draw up an effective
business development plan • Support to businesses throughout the graduate
recruitment and selection process • Provides businesses with affordable graduate
skills for 12 months – 80% of salary funded by ASPIRE
• On-going advice and support from ASPIRE mentor
• Experience and training in project management • Cross border networking opportunities
Benefits to Graduates• Real, identifiable employment opportunities
within the East Border Region – 45 posts available
• Opportunities for sustained employment and/or career progression
• On-going advice and support from ASPIRE mentor
• Experience and training in project management/ Committee management/Presentation skills
• Cross border networking opportunities
Progress to Date• Letter of Offer Issued April 2012• Managing Agent appointed - Dec 2012• Programme launched - Jan 2013• Information sessions - Jan/Feb 2013• 181 expressions of interest - Feb 2013• 139 businesses eligible to apply to ASPIRE• 90 businesses attended ASPIRE Master Classes• 56 applications received by closing date• 45 Projects approved• 45 Jobs advertised on 7th June 2013
Next Steps• 45 graduate posts advertised on a
cross border basis• 45 graduates appointed and in post
by October 2013 – October 2014
Thank yo
www.aspireprogramme.com