ENTREPRENEURSHIP
– A Domino Effect?

Entrepreneurship is being marked as the answer to Ireland's economic mire. According to Julie Meyer, Founder of Ariadne Capital and Entrepreneur Country "entrepreneurship drives society not just the economy... If entrepreneurship drives the wealth which drives the economy it ultimately drives society. It's the beginning of the domino effect" WMB looks to why we should be turning to those setting up and starting out.

Dragons' Den panellist Sean Gallagher says "Entrepreneurship is an essential part in dealing with our economic challenges. Entrepreneurs are the new heroes in communities all over the country where survival is the new success. Those who cannot find jobs are creating them, for themselves and others. These local jobs are the glue that is holding communities together, putting money in the local economy, keeping the school open, the services running and the sports team on the field.”

As a regular speaker at business women’s networks all over the country, Sean says “I am heartened by their positivity and can-do attitude. Entrepreneurs and small business owners’ coming together is an essential element in their building their enterprises. It is vital that the success of women and others in business success is celebrated. This can lead to others being encouraged to take up similar challenges because we all need more role models if increasing numbers of women and young people are to enter business.

“Entrepreneurship is one element and the other is our presence abroad. Irish businesses need to access new foreign markets and foreign business needs to be drawn to setting up in Ireland. Foreign direct investment is not only important for the direct jobs it can create, but for all of the subsidiary local jobs and businesses which are supported by it, providing opportunities for entrepreneurs.”

Read more about Entrepreneurship in the Autumn 2011 issue of WMB, on newsstands from September 1st!