Thirteen female Entrepreneur's from all over Limerick and North Cork showcased their new business start up's in Croom Community Enterprise Centre on Monday the 11th of June.
This showcase was the culmination of a nine-month Enterprise support programme delivered by Ballyhoura Development CLG and the Rubicon at Cork Institute of Technology.
WREN - Women's Rural Entrepreneurial Network is delivered in partnership with SECAD, Cork Institute of Technologies Rubicon and Hincks Centre for Entrepreneurial Excellence. It is funded by the European Social Fund and the Department of Justice and Equality.
The new start up's led by women supported by this programme included a franchise to provide a fitness training programme for older adults, a honey producer, coaching and career guidance businesses, consultancy and event management for SME's, a luxurious dog grooming SPA, computer training business, Art consultancy, picture framing business, a swimming instructor and a reflexologist.
At the showcase WREN participants showcased and pitched their business idea. Each stand and pitch were judged by a panel of Business experts. Pauline Walsh, Tigin Honey won the award for Best Showcase Stand, Valerie O'Hanlon, Clarence Consulting won the award for Best Business Pitch and Brenda Cahill, Osteofit won the award for Most Business Potential.
The Enterprise Development programme included modules in Personal Development, Business Viability, Finance and Business planning, as well as one to one support and mentoring, networking events with input from female founders and much more.
The programme is accredited by Cork Institute of Technology and is worth 20 FET credits at level 6. Participants who choose to avail of the accreditation will gain a level 6 special purpose award in Enterprise Development.
Ballyhoura Development are currently recruiting for the next round of WREN which will begin this September in Croom Community Enterprise Centre and will run until May 2019.
This programme is open to women who have a business idea and want to become self-employed or female led business start up's.
Anyone interested in participating in the WREN programme should contact Eileen O'Keeffe or visit www.ballyhouradevelopment.com.
Closing date for receipt of applications is 5pm Thursday 12th July.