Women launch 13 new firms in Ballingeary

THIRTEEN female entrepreneurs successfully launched their new businesses in Cuan Barra, Ballingeary, after completing the six-week part time Secad Cumas programme. 

The programme, which was run in partnership with Secad, CIT’s Rubicon Centre and supported by community group ‘Comharchumann Forbartha Mhúscraí Teo’, and  Udaras Na Gaeltachta, was specifically targeted at developing successful female entrepreneurs in the region, who are serious about setting up new business ventures.

Cumas participants were provided with the tools they need to grow and develop their business including idea evaluation, business planning, market research, business funding, financial planning and business development. 

Among the burgeoning entrepreneurs showcasing their business was Dorothy O Tuama of the Lee Valley Taste Trail who was awarded Best Business Opportunity at the event. 

‘I am delighted to have my business recognised and it gives me the encouragement I need to continue to push ahead for 2017,’ said Dorothy. 

‘The past number of months have been extremely exciting and being involved in the Cumas programme has given me a big boost in confidence to realise the potential for my business, which offers bespoke guided food and culture trails around the beautiful Lee Valley. I cannot speak highly enough of the mentorship we all received and the support among all the participants has given each of us the appetite to build our businesses and look forward to a busy New Year!’

Speaking of the new programme, Ryan Howard, CEO Secad said: ‘We are delighted to have offered this new Secad Cumas programme in conjunction with the Rubicon Centre to the fantastic community here in Ballingeary. 

‘Amazing things happen when a community supports its people and here we have thirteen Secad Cumas participants who now have the support of one another and the extended community to take the next steps in their businesses. When we were approached by Comharchumann Forbartha Mhúscraí Teo for support we knew that we had to get on board but we could never have imagined the successful outcome,’ he said.

Other winners on the day included Roisin Dunne (best presentation) whose business Piper will create authentic leather accessories, and Annamarie Setterfield, a baker from Ballingeary whose business Cistí Rí took the award for best stand.