Mayo Intercultural Action has secured further funding to continue its work supporting women to set up their own businesses. For the past two years, MIA has 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 invaluable work.

GROW Project Coordinator Thérèse Ruane said:

"We're absolutely delighted that our bid for EU funding to continue this invaluable work has been successful. Over the past two years, we have worked with women who are at various stages of setting up their own businesses in the following sectors: retail shops, health-care, hairdressing and beauty, tourism ventures, Repairs and alterations, agri-food and craft sector, IT and internet businesses, arts, health and life coaching.

More than forty women have benefited from this 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 at 8 pm on Tuesday 26 June in Le Chéile FRC, Castlebar and at 8 pm on Tuesday 3 July in Ballina Family Resource Centre. Places on the programme are limited and early registration is advisable. Applicants from members of the migrant community are especially welcome. So, if you are a women with a business idea, come along to an information evening or get in touch with Thérèse Ruane at 086 3483414/truane1@eircom.net. We look forward to working with you on this innovative programme in the coming months."