A large number of people attended the GROW Business Enterprise seminar which took place recently in Castlebar Tennis Club. Budding enterpreneurs had the opportunity to hear more about the opportunities and supports that are available for people setting up their own businesses here in Mayo and listen to first hand experience and advice in setting up enterprises.

The GROW programme: Growing Real Opportunities for Women is an EU funded programme run by Mayo Intercultural Action, providing supports for women to set up their own businesses. Women from throughout Mayo have availed of training, mentoring and advice to support them to develop successful enterprises.

At the seminar, Olwen Dawe, committed promoter of female entrepreneurship and owner of Irish Business Intelligence and secretary of Network Ireland was the guest speaker and presented certificates to the GROW participants who recently completed the programme.

Other speakers at the seminar included John Magee from Mayo County Enterpise Board and Breda Murray from South West Mayo Development Company who both informed people of available supports and encouraged people to avail help and supports that is available to enterpreneurs. Two participants on the programme, Bernika Wopjciechowshe and Rosaleen Molloy, highlighted the value and benefits to their own start-up businesses of participating on the GROW programme encouraging other women to come forward and participate on future enterprise programmes.

GROW programme coordinator, Thérèse Ruane, thanked the speakers for their contributions and wished the participants well in their new businesses. If anyone wants to find out more about the GROW Women in Business Enterprise Programme, contact Thérèse Ruane at 086 3483414 or truane1@eircom.net