Dublin, 30th August 2012 – Vodafone Ireland today launched the Vodafone Smart Start Up Network to give Irish start-ups access to successful Irish business experts through nationwide talks, mentoring workshops and networking sessions with fellow start-ups. An online and mobile learning resource will support the programme providing first-hand inspiring insights from some of Ireland’s most successful entrepreneurs, who have enthusiastically signed up to impart their knowledge and experience.

Vodafone Ireland established the Smart Start Up Network in direct response to small businesses looking for insight into how new technologies and communications platforms can support their business development and growth. The programme will focus specifically on providing expertise on social media, marketing and management and productivity. But more than the events, the programme will continue to live online and through the newly-developed smartphone app.  Start-ups can logon anytime and get business advice and gain additional skills to leverage technology for competitive edge.

Claire Reynolds, Small Business Manager at Vodafone Ireland said, “We’ve been overwhelmed by the reaction of successful entrepreneurs who want to get involved in the programme and support emerging Irish start-ups. We feel we’ve taken a different approach – we’ve been listening to start-ups who said they want to build business knowledge, particularly around how technology can enable growth. The programme will reach businesses right across the country, supported by a regularly updated site and mobile app.”

Speaking at the launch, successful technology entrepreneur Sean O’Sullivan, SOSventures and Avego, who will speak at the first Smart Start Up Network event in Dublin on September 20th commented, "Ireland is one of the world's leading 'business-friendly' environments, and so start-ups have a particularly good chance of success here. Advice and guidance from mentors and accelerator programs are key to a start-up's success, so Vodafone's Smart Start-up Network can really help start-ups prosper."

The Smart Start-Up Network events will commence on Thursday, 20th September in Vodafone’s new Customer Experience Centre at its Leopardstown headquarters. For more information on the programme and a full schedule of events, starts-up businesses can visit www.vodafone.ie/startups or download the Smart Start-Up Network mobile app which will be available on iTunes and the Android Play store from September 20th.