UPDATE: InterTradeIreland has just announced the urgent relaunch of its Go-2-Tender program, opening a staggering €21 billion (£18 billion) public procurement market to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across the island of Ireland. This vital initiative aims to equip local businesses with the skills and knowledge necessary to secure public sector contracts, both locally and across borders.

This program is more crucial than ever, as SMEs face ongoing economic uncertainties exacerbated by global conditions. InterTradeIreland has played a pivotal role in helping businesses adapt through previous challenges, including BREXIT and the COVID-19 pandemic. The relaunch comes at a time when developing cross-border trading relationships is essential for sustaining sales and mitigating external economic shocks.

The Go-2-Tender program is now entering its ninth phase, having previously assisted over 1,100 businesses from 2021 to 2024. This comprehensive initiative offers an array of specialized workshops, masterclasses, and personalized mentoring sessions, focused on navigating the public procurement process. Participants will receive invaluable insights into crafting winning bids, which can significantly enhance their chances of success in public sector tendering.

Finance Minister John O’Dowd emphasized the program’s importance: “Public procurement presents a significant economic opportunity for our local businesses and plays an integral role in boosting productivity and supporting employment.” O’Dowd noted that over 95% of registered businesses in Northern Ireland are small and micro enterprises, underlining the need for targeted support.

Similarly, Emer Higgins, Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure, highlighted the necessity for businesses to have access to practical guidance. “InterTradeIreland’s Go-2-Tender program provides invaluable support that empowers SMEs to navigate the complexities of public sector tendering,” she stated.

The Go-2-Tender program’s workshops are supported by various governmental bodies, including the Office of Government Procurement and the Strategic Investment Board. These partnerships aim to foster a collaborative environment where businesses can thrive in the competitive landscape of public contracts.

Colin McCabrey, Director of Trade at InterTradeIreland, noted, “The Go-2-Tender program is more vital than ever in empowering SMEs across the island to tap into the immense public procurement market.” He reiterated the program’s role in enhancing competitiveness and resilience among indigenous businesses.

As part of the initiative, InterTradeIreland is expected to launch new supply chain programs later this year, further expanding support for businesses seeking to engage in public procurement opportunities.

For SMEs looking to enhance their engagement with the public sector, the Go-2-Tender program represents a unique opportunity to gain the necessary tools for success. Interested businesses should act quickly to take advantage of this essential resource, as the demand for public sector contracts continues to grow.

Stay tuned for updates as this story develops, and consider sharing this information with fellow business owners who could benefit from the Go-2-Tender program. The future of public procurement for SMEs is opening up NOW!

UPDATE: The countdown is on! Tomorrow, October 9, 2023, at 7:00 AM MDT, extreme athlete Felix Baumgartner is poised to make history with a stunning skydive from the edge of space, a breathtaking descent from 37 kilometers over New Mexico.

This daring jump, which aims to break the sound barrier, will see Baumgartner free-fall for approximately 20 minutes before deploying his parachute at 5,000 feet. The event is set to be live-streamed, allowing thrill-seekers around the world to witness this incredible feat.

The stakes are exceptionally high. Baumgartner’s pressurized suit must remain intact during the descent to prevent catastrophic failure—any rupture could lead to severe consequences, including blood boiling and body swelling due to rapid decompression. The temperature at such altitudes is well below freezing, adding to the perilous nature of the jump.

Baumgartner, who previously made headlines with his iconic 2012 skydive from the stratosphere, is determined to reach Mach 1 just half a minute after stepping out of his capsule. This ambitious project is expected to draw significant global attention, not only for its technical challenges but also for its thrilling spectacle.

As viewers prepare for this extraordinary event, it’s vital to remember the legacy of skydive pioneer Joseph Kittinger, who holds the previous record for the highest jump at 31 kilometers in 1961. Kittinger, who survived torture as a POW, is serving as an advisor for Baumgartner’s mission, lending his expertise to ensure a safe and successful jump.

Stay tuned for the live stream and join millions as they watch this remarkable venture into the unknown. The world waits with bated breath for what could be another monumental moment in the history of extreme sports!

What to Watch For: As the jump approaches, keep an eye on weather conditions and real-time updates from the mission team. The event promises not only to thrill but also to inspire future generations of adventurers.

Felix Baumgartner is preparing for an extraordinary skydive from the edge of space. Scheduled for October 9, 2012, at 07:00 local time, Baumgartner will leap from a pressurized capsule at an altitude of 37 kilometers over the New Mexico desert. This daring jump, part of the Red Bull Stratos project, aims to break several records, including the highest free fall and the first person to break the sound barrier without a vehicle.

The countdown to this historic event is underway, generating excitement among skydiving enthusiasts and the general public alike. Viewers can watch the jump live, showcasing Baumgartner’s leap into the unknown. This endeavor is particularly significant as it follows the footsteps of Joseph Kittinger, who made a notable jump from 31 kilometers in 1961. Kittinger, who endured a harrowing experience as a prisoner of war, serves as an advisor for this mission.

Baumgartner’s ascent will be powered by a large helium balloon, which is expected to lift him to the predetermined height. The jump itself carries immense risks. If his suit suffers a tear or his visor cracks, the consequences could be catastrophic due to the extreme conditions at such altitudes. Temperatures drop well below freezing, and a sudden loss of cabin pressure could lead to severe bodily harm.

Once he exits the capsule, Baumgartner is anticipated to reach speeds of Mach 1 approximately 30 seconds after his jump, falling for around 20 minutes before deploying his parachute at 5,000 feet. The entire event emphasizes not only the thrill of extreme sports but also the potential for scientific advancements in aerospace medicine and high-altitude parachuting.

The event is not without its share of excitement and danger. Many observers have expressed admiration for Baumgartner’s courage, while some have shared their own limits, humorously stating that a bungee jump is more than enough for them.

In a tragic turn of events, Baumgartner’s legacy as an extreme sports pioneer took a somber note after his untimely death in a paragliding accident in October 2023, near Porto Sant’Elpidio, Italy. Local authorities reported that he lost control of his motorized paraglider, and the cause of the accident remains under investigation. The mayor of Porto Sant’Elpidio, Massimiliano Ciarpella, expressed condolences, acknowledging Baumgartner as “a symbol of courage and passion for extreme flights.”

As the world prepares to witness this remarkable feat, Baumgartner’s contributions to the field of extreme sports and his groundbreaking achievements will not be forgotten. His journey represents the spirit of adventure and the relentless pursuit of human limits.

BREAKING: A significant water main burst has been reported in the High Road area of Letterkenny this morning, causing immediate disruptions for local residents and businesses. Uisce Eireann has confirmed that emergency repair works are underway and are expected to continue until 3:10 PM today.

Residents in the affected area should prepare for potential supply interruptions, which may extend beyond the estimated restoration time. The urgency of the situation underscores the impact on daily life in Letterkenny, with many relying on consistent water supply for both personal and commercial needs.

The water main burst occurred early in the day, prompting swift action from Uisce Eireann to mitigate the situation. Officials are advising residents to store sufficient water in advance of the repair works, as supply issues could persist even after the repairs are completed.

Local businesses are also feeling the impact of this disruption. Many establishments rely on water for operations, and the ongoing repairs could affect their service delivery. The community is urged to remain patient as the team works diligently to restore normal water supply.

This situation is developing rapidly, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through local news channels and social media for the latest developments.

As this story unfolds, the immediate concern remains for the health and comfort of those affected in Letterkenny. The community’s resilience will be tested as they navigate this unexpected disruption. Further details will follow as Uisce Eireann continues its restoration efforts.