Acting Locally - Growing Real Opportunities for Women (GROW)

Mayo Intercultural Action has secured further funding to continue its work supporting women to set up their own businesses. Last year, MIA worked with women throughout Mayo providing support, training, mentoring and advice to women in the process of setting up their own enterprises. Following on the success of this, MIA has now been allocated EU funding to continue this work for a second year.

Enterprise Development Officer, Thérèse Ruane, said:

"We're absolutely delighted that our bid for EU funding to continue this invaluable work has been successful. Last year, we worked with women who are at various stages of setting up their own businesses here in this county: businesses include retail shops, hairdressing, tourism ventures, agri-food and craft sector, IT and internet businesses, health and life coaching.

Over twenty women participated in a specially designed enterprise training program over period of six months; they worked with business mentors on an individual and group basis, and are well on their way to establishing businesses, providing employment for themselves and others.

This group of women, from diverse backgrounds and nationalities, are a highly motivated, talented, creative women. They have such a wealth of knowledge, ideas and experience and have so much to offer to get the economy going again here in Mayo. I'd like to acknowledge the support of Mayo County Enterprise Board, GMIT Innovation Centre, local partnerships, Le Chéile Family Resource Centre for their continued support for this programme.

"Information evenings will take place in the following venues throughout Mayo:

* Gateway Hotel, Swinford Tuesday 20 Sept
* Family Resource Centre, Westport: Wednesday 21 Sept
* Family Resource Centre, Castlebar: Thursday 22 Sept
* Family Resource Centre, Claremorris Tuesday 27 Sept.

"Places on the programme are limited and early registration is advisable. Members of the migrant community are especially welcome. So, if you are a women with a business idea, come along to an information evening in your area. We look forward to working with you on this innovative programme in the coming months. For further information, contact Thérèse at 086 3483414."