‘This is our Business – Creating work in Youghal’ – 24th January 2012

A TOTAL of 13 new start-up businesses will showcase their ideas to an audience of agency officials and invited guests at Youghal’s inaugural Business Showcase Event on 24th January 2012 in The Mall Arts Centre, Youghal.  Hosted by The Youghal Socio-Economic Development Group, the event will showcase emerging entrepreneurial talent of Youghal area residents.

Guest speaker at the event will be Jasmine Hyde, Founder of Ballymaloe Relish who will recall her experience in a start-up situation and her efforts in creating what has now become an international brand.  The event, a first for Youghal will see the entrepreneurial spirit of Youghal residents who in spite of the economic downturn, are determined to make it happen for themselves and their community.  The 13 entrepreneurs all took part in the ‘Business Start-up Programme’ which was sponsored by DSP and SECAD.

In advance of the event, one of the budding entrepreneurs, Liz Connelly spoke about her hopes for the event:  “The opportunity of being able to present to the key agencies associated with The Youghal Socio-Economic Development Group means a lot to all the course participants as it provides us with the chance to develop contacts with these bodies that we may otherwise have shied away from. We are aware of the support both from a mentorship and financial way that they can possibly offer to our new businesses.”
Liz is currently developing a biodegradable, waterless, disposable finger toothbrush for mouth care for the healthcare market.  She hopes this will serve to reduce costs and save nursing time.

Course Mentor of The Business Start-Up Programme, Donagh MacArtain was upbeat in his assessment of Youghal’s efforts at economic development. “The town of Youghal and surrounding areas has reason to celebrate. In this difficult economic climate the participants of the ‘Start Your Own Business Course’ (sponsored by SECAD) showed courage and commitment in setting up their businesses and adding to the enterprise and employment infrastructure.  This event is a great demonstration of what can be achieved when local agencies and the support services  including SECAD, South Cork Enterprise Board, Enterprise Ireland, Fás and others come together, yet another example of Youghal getting ahead.”  Said Donagh.

The format for the event will see short presentations by the participants of their businesses to include the vision, product/service and targets, including investment opportunities.  This will be followed by a ‘trade fair’ whereby invited guests will visit the business plan displays of each of the 13 entrepreneurs they think they could possibly help, whether assistance is material or that of encouragement.

An important outcome for the participants is that, following the supportive hub in which they have developed their idea and business plan, they will gain access to the support of relevant agencies and individuals, with appointments being made on the day.  This is a critical next step for each business.

This is our Business – Creating work in Youghal(1)