STIMULATING AND SUPPORTING NEW BUSINESS IN IRELAND

Innovative Rural Enterprise in Roscommon

By Joan Fahey, March 16, 2010

Last week saw the completion of a pilot initiative of Roscommon Integrated Development Company, when Certificates were presented to participants on a novel Rural Enterprise Development Programme. This training programme, delivered by WESTBIC, was aimed at nurturing new rural enterprise ideas in the county and to take them along the next steps towards commercial reality. The programme afforded participants the opportunity to evaluate their business ideas and develop them into sustainable business opportunities with potential for growth.

Speaking at the final night of the programme, Laurence Fallon of RIDC complimented the participants on their achievements and indicated that there may be potential for running a similar programme in the future, based on the positive feedback and outcomes to date. It is envisaged that many participants may go on apply to RIDC for funding under the LEADER Programme to establish their new rural enterprises, thereby creating some much needed jobs in rural areas.

Completion of The Rural Enterprise Development Programme funded by RIDC:
Back L-R: Donal Greene, Sean Butler, James Gibney, Michael Beatie, Mary Leyden, Kevin Kilcline, Cathal Mahon, John Cummins, Patrick Hester.
Front L-R: Claire Beatie, Mary Byrne, Laurence Fallon Roscommon Integrated Development Company, James Donlon (WESTBIC).