To mark the successful completion of the first PINC Programme on Wednesday 30th March, participants entertained and intrigued their audience as they brought them through the highs and lows of their business venture from start up to date. After the short sales presentation, each entrepreneur showcased their product or service, which ranged from delicious homemade treats to hand crafted jewellery and personalised art pieces. The event, which attracted huge interest from across the business sector, was held in the Rubicon Centre, CITs on campus business incubator and all monies raised went directly to their nominated charity- breast cancer awareness.
PINC is an intensive programme for female entrepreneurs who want to take their business ideas to the next stage. The programme is run part time over ten weeks, allowing participants to balance their family commitments while at the same time plan and develop their business ventures.
Participants who have just completed the first programme are very positive and feel that overall PINC both met and exceeded their expectation in terms of course content and delivery. "PINC has helped me to really focus on all aspects of my business,” said Audrey Shallow of Create Wish Angels www.createwishangels.com, “One of the best parts of the PINC programme is the incredible support you get from within the group and the insatiable sense of energy that each participant brings," Orla Murphy of www.orlamurphyjewellery.com said: “The PINC programme has challenged me to look at my business in a whole new light and has equipped me with the practical tools I need to drive my business forward. The support I received while participating on this programme has been invaluable especially to someone used to working in their own cocoon.” Naoimh Reilly of www.debsnight.ie says, "The combination of relevant group workshops and sound practical advice from professionals who have already been through the process has given me the determination and tools to make my business succeed.”
In particular the PINC participants wanted to extend a special thank you to the various people who supported the programme by giving their time, energy and invaluable business advice so willingly at various sessions throughout the 10 weeks. Such professionals include; Clare Nash (Nash 19), Natasha Lynch (Essential French), Sarah Halpin (Halpin Solicitors), Oonagh Levis (the Gift Guru), Kate Casey & Katherine Lynch (AIB), Ciaran Levis & Kevin Toth (Musgrave Group), Dermot O'Sullivan( MacSweeney&co), Sinead Healy (Nova Language Solutions) and Sarah Kidney( Ballincollig Credit Union).
The Programme was run under the guidance of experienced entrepreneur, Padraig O’Sullivan, who ensured that participants were given access to a wealth of business experience and advice, setting them on a successful road in developing and bringing their own business to the next level.
A testament to the success of the inaugural PINC programme is that the entrepreneurs have made a commitment to maintain the group’s dynamism by agreeing to meet up once a month and continue to offer support to each other. Such open sharing of ideas and providing that all important second opinion will ensure that the lessons learnt whilst on PINC will continue to be put into practical use and will further help to keep the ladies focused firmly on their business.
