Invest NI the real story
I recently received an email from Invest NI inviting me to enter their awards under a suitable category, which I duly did.As a recent participant in the Invest NI Start a Business programme I had every reason to believe I could actually enter and maybe get some exposure or maybe even, gasp, win.Having spent quite some time crafting a piece that described my innovation and suitablilty of shortlisting I sent off the entry and waited with baited breath.And the very next day I got my reply.Sorry but you're not a client company, this is for client companies only. Oh said I, so you sent me the email but I'm not a client company? Yes they said. Only if you're a client company can you enter these awards for £105 000 worth of support packages.But I am a client company, I attended your SABP? I received several hours of lessons afterwards? Yes and Yes, but you're not a client company.So the moral of the story is, don't be misled by the glossy brochures and the expensive TV campaigns to get you to do your bit for the local economy with the help of Invest NI. Because at the end of it all, you're on your own, and unless and until you become a client company They're not interested.(BTW I could be interviewed with a view to becoming a client company - but still couldn't enter the awards)Jobsworths sitting in an Ivory Tower getting paid out of our taxes who don't have the b###s to Go For It themselves? Old Rugger chums lining each others wallets? It not what you know its who you know. Champagne & Black Tie event anyone? Don't worry the tax paying grafters are paying for it!I believe Sean Quinn had the right idea when (so the urban myth goes) he refused their help many moons ago, as they had spurned his earlier advances and requests for help.Just get on with it, do your own thing, stop expecting Government to make it easy for you with a £10 000 award. (Writer - take your own advice!!)