Enterprise Ireland’s recently launched Global Irish Contacts Programme is already gaining significant traction in bringing successful Irish expatriates in contact with growing Irish businesses. This newly introduced programme could play a key role in the Irish road to economic recovery.

The Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) Report published this week shows that there has been an increase in early stage entrepreneurial activity in 2011 with approximately 2,200 enterprising individuals setting up a new business each month.

Footballer turned entrepreneur, Niall Quinn launched the IT’s Happening Here initiative to promote career opportunities in the Irish-owned software sector, where around 1,500 vacancies are waiting to be filled. IT’s Happening Here is targeting software professionals both at home and overseas and offers creative, dynamic positions with multiple responsibilities in Ireland’s home-grown software industry.

The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton TD this week named the 30 successful companies that have recently been awarded funding under Enterprise Ireland’s Competitive Start Fund. He also announced a new call for applicants to the fund.