Minister presents two female founders with first ever Kinsale Entrepreneur Awards

On Saturday 2nd April, Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Michael McGrath T.D., presented ‘Best Business Awards’ and sponsored cash prizes to two Cork female-led startup companies at the Future Kinsale Fundraising Dinner & Awards event in Actons Hotel, Kinsale.

The awards went to two enterprises that are working to create positive social and environmental change in the region and beyond. They are:

1) ‘Landscape’, founded by Lisa Harrison, which is a brand strategy and design agency helping non-profits focussed on environmental change to create an impactful brand;

2) ‘Rustic Thistle Farm’, founded by Trish Daly, which is a day-care centre based in Cork that aims to tackle the revolving door nature of the mental health system in Ireland by providing a holistic environment to help people with mental health difficulties ease back into everyday life through physical and psychological therapy and the healing power of nature.

These companies, along with the 15 other startups have just completed the first Startup22 Kinsale Entrepreneurship Programme which was designed and delivered by Future Kinsale and a range of business experts from the Kinsale/south Cork region, all working on a voluntary basis. The Startup22 programme has been described as 'inspiring' and 'exciting' by participants and the 2nd programme will shortly be opening for applications via the Future Kinsale website: www.futurekinsale.ie

Speaking at the event, Minister Michael McGrath T.D. said,

“I’m delighted to present awards to these impressive new businesses and I wish them every success in the future. Both companies and the many other participants in Kinsale's Startup22 programme, demonstrate the creativity, passion and determination that still exists in the Cork region to reignite the business sector, provide employment opportunities and make the community a better place, after a very tough couple of years.

I want to thank the voluntary team of expert mentors in Future Kinsale and beyond for their commitment to supporting the enterprise community in the Cork region, and the local sponsors who made Startup22 possible. I look forward to seeing the positive results of your work on this and other initiatives in the coming years.”

Also speaking to the 120 guests, Alan Clayton, Chairperson of Future Kinsale said,

“Thanks to all of you for coming and supporting this special fundraising dinner and celebration of the 17 graduates of our inaugural Startup22 programme. Future Kinsale is a small, voluntary-led community group and we rely on the involvement of community members, as well as fundraising and donations to achieve our goal of building a more healthy, sustainable community together.

Guided by a survey of 800 community members in 2018, Future Kinsale is working in a number of areas. These are enterprise development, transport and infrastructure (including a campaign to bring a Greenway/Blueway to the region in cooperation with other local groups), culture and community; climate and sustainability and technology. However, we are a small group of volunteers, so we are always looking for new members to get involved so we can work on developing the future of Kinsale together.”

Performing at last night's event was a renowned local singer song-writer Nella who's unique voice has been described as 'ethereal' and 'haunting'. It has earned her worldwide fame and acclaim including lead vocals on the World of Warcraft video game and a number 1 hit in Ireland with her song 'Revolution'.

Bringing the event to a close, Alan Clayton thanked all the local businesses and people which supported the event and made it possible, particularly Black's Brewery and 1601 Kinsale which sponsored the drinks reception and the businesses and local artists who donated items for the auction.

He also thanked all the local startup founders and business experts who so generously gave their time and expertise to the first Kinsale Startup22 programme.

"We very much appreciate your input and help to support the 17 participants of Startup22 to hone their business ideas, develop business skills, and learn from your 'startup stories’ about the ups and downs of life in business. We look forward to running another Startup22 programme in Kinsale in the autumn.

If you are interested in taking part in the autumn round of Startup22 get in touch with us at info@futurekinsale.ie to let us know and we’ll send you more information soon!