If you have big dreams of being your own boss, this might be the perfect opportunity for you.  The AIB Start-Up Academy helps new businesses by providing training, networking opportunities and a chance to win a place on an esteemed Irish Times Training course. After an incredibly successful 2015, the AIB Start-Up Academy hit the road again in May for a series of fantastic events around Ireland. These evenings introduced Irish business leaders to entrepreneurs looking to get their feet firmly placed on the business ladder. The events took place across Ireland with presentations from some of Ireland's most successful entrepreneurs. Speakers included Ciara Donlon from THEYA, Sonya Lennon from frockadvisor and Bobby Kerr from Insomnia. Last year's Start-Up Academy participants came from a wide range of industries, including food, publishing, technology, fashion and more. Check out our interview with last year's hugely successful winner, Fabien Peyaud, founder of Herdwatch. Applications for the 2016 Start-Up Academy Entrepreneurs are invited to apply to be on the 8-week training course, which kicks off in early 2016. Last year almost 300 start-ups applied, with a shortlist of 20 start-ups chosen to pitch in front of a panel of judges. In the end, 10 excellent finalists were chosen by the judges, while an eleventh wild card was picked by Her.ie and JOE.ie readers. The course is designed to help entrepreneurs grow their business while developing new skills and honing their existing talents. Over the eight weeks, the finalists will be taught social media strategy, business modelling, finance, accounting, marketing, sales, product development and more. How is the winner chosen? When the programme finishes, the attendees will take part in another pitching event where judges will choose an overall winner The winners of the AIB Start-Up Academy will win a share in a prize package valued at over €250,000.  The overall winner will receive a €20,000 cash investment as well as an advertising and mentorship package for each runner-up. How to apply Simply click here, register your details and fill in a few questions about your start-up business. Get entering now! To apply for a place on the AIB Start-Up Academy training and mentoring programme with The Irish Times Training Department come right this way.