Cork Business Women Who Mean Business
10th December 2019
12 West Cork business women have successfully launched their new and invigorated businesses on completion of a Women in Business programme funded and managed by Cork County Council’s Local Enterprise Office Cork North and West. The women who come from a diverse range of business sectors in West Cork including nutrition, craft and gift, alternative therapies, beauty, and professional services are expected to create more than 10 new jobs between them in the next 12 months.
The four-month intensive programme which was aimed at women who have been in business for a minimum of one year allowed participants to explore the possibilities of their businesses while finding the right work/life balance for themselves. The Local Enterprise Office’s contracted agents for the programme delivery were Veronica Murphy and Billy O’Connor of The Discovery Partnership Ltd. Participants were provided with the tools they need to grow and develop their commercial businesses including strategy, finance, raising money, marketing, sales, public relations, social media, pitching, and the business plan.
A total of 70 women have completed the course since its inception in 2016 with over 80 jobs being created by female business leaders in that time.
Among the participants was Claire Lehane, CL HR Consultancy who said, “Participating in this course has given me the perspective and confidence I needed to take my business to the next level. Self-employment can be challenging at times but I now have a strong support network with my fellow course participants who I will continue to meet with to share ideas and offer mutual support, which is an invaluable resource.”
Also speaking of the course, Sandra Maybury, Netassist and PLANtastic said, “In the past I would have convinced myself that I didn’t have time to upskill or even apply for a course like this but with the encouragement of the LEO I did enrol and since then I have not looked back. This course has been the best investment in myself and my business ever. It has given me a fresh perspective on what my business can be and the courage to actively and confidently promote what I am doing. Although we all come from different backgrounds we have found a new source of support from each other. I cannot recommend this course highly enough for any woman who is at a crossroads with her business or who needs a fresh outlook on what the future can hold. 2020 is going to be a great year!”
Speaking of the Women in Business Programme, Tim Lucey, Chief Executive of Cork County Council said, “With female entrepreneurship at an all-time high across Cork it is important to provide effective resources to women in business. Each of these 12 business owners have looked at ways of growing and diversifying their businesses which will in turn make them more competitive and will allow them to grow and create employment for the region.”
Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Christopher O’Sullivan said, “All of these women have one thing in common and that is the will to succeed, to create a future for themselves and also create employment in the region. I wish them all the very best in to the future and look forward to supporting them as they continue their business journeys.”
