Entrepreneurs Go For It with Greenshoots

20 February 2012

Last September, ten new businesses gathered at Macroom E Enterprise Centre to begin a nine month journey to developing profitable businesses. Now, having reached the half way mark of the Greenshoots programme, the ten entrepreneurs are well on their way to success.

Greenshoots is a programme for budding entrepreneurs in Cork's Lee Valley region that provides them with the facilities and support they need to develop a successful business. Throughout the nine month programme, participants avail of free office space at Macroom E Enterprise Centre, business training workshops on key areas of business development, mentoring support, business coaching and personal development, peer support, and access to links with support bodies and enterprise development agencies. The ten participating businesses range from kayak distributions to cleaning, handmade gluten-free cakes to handmade jewellery and a lot more in between, make this a diverse and exciting group.

Speaking about the programme, Greenshoots Programme Manager, Catherine Costello said "Our aim with Greenshoots is to encourage people to jump in and get their businesses started! We help by providing training on key business development areas such as finance, PR, marketing, business planning, HR etc. and by giving free office space and specific mentorship. A huge part of the programme is the creation of a supportive group that helps take the loneliness out of starting on your own!"

Commenting on the current participants, Catherine said "Our programme is now in its second year and it is fantastic to see the enthusiasm and drive the participants are showing. Many are already ready to take on employees and we are seeing real results in terms of sales and turnover."

The 2011/2012 Greenshoots include: Anthony Neville (Sports Tours Ireland), Ben and Keith Redman (BKR Cleaning), Colin Hayes (Hayes Group), Connie Cronin (CC Photography), Dennis Taylor and Roisin O'Grady (Get With It!), Derek Binchy (Winner Kayak), Eileen Moylan (Claddagh Design), Jaco Nel (GreenGate Ltd.), Katelijne Rouffa (Peace of Cake), and Piotr Szober (iTek Computers).

Supported by the Economic Development section of Cork County Council and South Cork Enterprise Board, the programme is offered free of charge to successful applicants following a competitive application process. Participants are based at Macroom E for the duration of the programme.

If you're interested in finding out more about upcoming Greenshoots programmes, contact Programme Manager, Catherine Costello on (026) 20520 or ccostello@macroom-e.com. Visit www.greenshootscork.ie for more details.