CorkBIC expands and re-brands
An private-sector led organisation that has helped some of the biggest Cork companies like Poppulo, Abtran and Workvivo has re-branded and extended the areas it operates in.
CorkBIC, who have been fostering the growth of start-ups in the south west for 35 years, have launched a new name and brand. Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Simon Coveney TD officially unveiled the new name, AxisBIC, at an event in Cork city last Friday.
They will now expand to offer their services to start-ups in Limerick and Clare, leveraging the extensive startup infrastructure that already exists in the mid west. Previously CorkBIC operated in Cork and Kerry.
AxisBIC is one of four Irish BICs funded by Enterprise Ireland to grow and support innovative startups who have high growth potential and can contribute to economic development in their areas.
A team of in-house experts help each entrepreneur to develop a well-tested business plan, raise investment, manage business propositions, and arrange agreements with shareholders and investors.
The organisation has an extensive network of partners including local authorities, universities, investors, business bodies and seasoned entrepreneurs across Ireland and internationally.
CorkBIC have worked with hundreds of innovative startups across the south and mid-west region including Crest Solutions, Green Saffron and AventaMed, among others.
Minister Coveney said: “CorkBIC, now known as AxisBIC, has been a well-known brand for many years, providing an invaluable service to entrepreneurs across a range of sectors.
“This expansion is a great reflection of AxisBIC’s commitment and dedication to its clients and their development and I support the endeavours of AxisBIC as they help to develop innovative entrepreneurs across the south and mid-west region.”
Larry O’Donoghue, CEO of AxisBIC said: “We have been working with innovative entrepreneurs and providing support and essential business expertise to hundreds of start-ups in Cork and Kerry over the last 35 years.
“We are excited to develop and grow these collaborations with entrepreneurs in Clare and Limerick. I would like to recognise all the support that we’ve received from our partners, many of whom are at this event today, as we launch the next phase of our journey as CorkBIC becomes AxisBIC.”
Frank Madden, Founder and Director of Crest Solutions said: “CorkBIC offered invaluable support to Crest Solutions (now Catalyx) and enabled us to create a great business from our vision. Starting a new business can be an extremely daunting experience but the team at CorkBIC helped us to navigate the many challenges we faced and were a huge part of our success.
“I would highly recommend any start-up or entrepreneur to contact them for advice and assistance. I would like to congratulate them on their new name and brand and I wish them every success for the future,” he added.