INNOVATIVE start-ups are being urged to apply for the latest tranche of a programme for firms hoping to develop on an international stage.
The Invest NI 2014/15 Propel programme - the fifth year of the 12-month scheme - helps participants fast track their business ideas, develop intensive growth plans and explore global prospects.
Applications are now open to early stage export focused businesses with an innovative product or service for the programme which will start in November.
Invest NI's director of skills and strategy solutions Niall Casey said the scheme "provides a dynamic culture and motivational environment for creative, ambitious, early stage company teams or individuals, who are working on a business idea with international market potential.
"The impact and value of Propel to local businesses and the wider economy is clear. Since 2009, 85 new companies have raised over £5.3m of private investment through the programme, creating over 250 jobs.
"The standard of participants has been extremely high, which is reflective of the business talent in Northern Ireland today. We hope that the calibre of participants for 2014/15 will further add to this success."
Propel provides participants with a series of challenging business development workshops, valuable advice from local and international business experts, introductions to potential investors and one-to-one bespoke guidance through mentorship
Current participants include Dungannon-based husband and wife team, Orlagh and Fintan McVeigh who have developed a luxury handmade homewares business, Harch Wood Couture.
Mrs McVeigh said the programme had "helped us to step back and look at our strategy, gaining new perspective and focus".
More information can be found at www.investni.com/ propel.