4I Innovation
​​ideas don't stop at START UP
THIS IS WHERE they begin!
You've heard of innovation but aren't sure how to use it within your business? you may have a new idea but need to understand what the risks are in bringing it to market? you're not sure you have the time and or money to invest in a new project?
The thing is we are all natural innovators, we solve problems every day using our own creativity to achieve it. However, we are all creative in different ways. Understanding how we look at things differently reveals our own unique thinking preferences which can help understand how we approach a challenge or solve a problem. When we combine this understanding within a framework for innovation, and new and powerful ways to look at your business model, we can create real sustainable value for your customers, with increased profits.
4i Innovation is designed to help the micro and small businesses across all sectors in Ballymena adapt to changing times and become more agile within the turbulent market conditions, by helping businesses innovate. 4i Innovation uses personal innovation thinking profiles alongside the latest business methodologies, to clearly understand your business model and define your value propositions for the success of new business ideas.
4i Innovation
Up to 3 participants per business will benefit from:
FourSight Profiling and Training -
The FourSight four-step framework identifies where your thinking preferences lie with regards to problem solving. It’s intuitive language transforms the way individuals and groups work together to solve problems.
Business Model Canvas and Value Proposition Canvas -
Using the latest business modelling tools from Stratgyzer.com to analyse the market fit of your business innovation.
Individual Business Innovation Coaching
Signposting and Referral to other relevant Business Support
£500 Innovation Fund for Participating Businesses
Download our
4i Accreditation Criteria here
WHAT Our Clients Say
"The 4i Innovation programme is extremely beneficial and I would highly recommend it for other businesses to undertake. The programme provided me with the tools to really asses my business idea, understand my business model and define my value proposition.
During the programme I received "Silver Level Innovator" through InnovateNI as well as group and individual business innovative coaching. The support, advice and workshops have been invaluable."
Louise Adams, Cultshe.
"PillPacPlus have participated in the 4i Innovation program. We found it to be very beneficial in being able to ascertain the team dynamics and thereby utilise the team members to their full potential.
As a result, the program has assisted PillPacPlus in being able to further engage and manage our client relationships more effectively."
Neil Montgomery, PillPacPlus
"4i Innovation has helped Gold & Browne's to take an idea, assess its merits through the Business Model Canvas.
Achieve 'Silver Level Innovator' through InnovateNI and receive funding through the Economic Recovery Innovation Grant provided by Invest NI to bring the idea to market."
Angela Patterson, Gold & Browne's
"We have found 4i Innovation extremely beneficial and are delighted to utilise the tools provided to organise and advance our business ideas. The framework allows us to efficiently address and analyse specific problems or gaps and carry them through a lifecycle in a holistic way.
We can confidently review our ideas using the business model canvas knowing that we have considered all aspects and possible outcomes."
Aileen Curry, Plotbox
"4i Innovation has helped my decision making for innovation and has encouraged me to use process when innovating within Martin Hurls.
I would recommend this course to any new start or SME who wants to take their business to the next level!"
Emmet Martin, Martin Hurls
The 4i Innovation project will offer coaching to businesses in the hope of improving the Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s overall innovation ranking within Northern Ireland.
Managed by Ballymena Business Centre and in association with Innovate NI, the project will support Ballymena firms through Innovate NI’s framework using the latest business modelling tools from Strategzer.com, FourSight individual profiling, innovation coaching and business support including access to potential funding.
Lauren McAteer from the board of The Gallaher Trust, which has committed £168,000 toward the project, said: “We are confident that this project will help businesses to learn to adapt to changing times and to become more agile in the face of turbulent market conditions. “Not only that but the project will also improve employment opportunities for those living in the wider Ballymena community, which is one of the trust’s main objectives.”
Stephen Scullion, Ballymena Business Centre’s 4i innovation manager said: “We’ve established the 4i Innovation project in a bid to address low levels of innovation. “We’re aiming to demystify what innovation is and create a common language to help businesses understand how to apply innovation and in turn, how to utilise innovation to grow and expand their business."
“Ballymena Business Centre has been a one stop shop in terms of supporting businesses since 1989 and this project is another example of how we provide business solutions tailored to meet the current economic demands and opportunities.” Invest NI’s innovation director, Dr Vicky Bell, added: “This unique partnership will provide businesses with a valuable insight into how to turn their ideas into value – working through the Innovation Framework will guide companies through the four essential stages of successful innovation – ideation, selection, development and commercialisation.”
This initiative is supported by
The Gallaher Trust