George Lee launched Job Creation Initiative Oranmore (JCIO ) recently in the Oranmore Lodge Hotel to an audience of 240 people.
JCIO provides support and advice on a range of business issues for people who are setting up their own enterprises in the current economic climate and people in business who find operating in today's commercial environment tough.
Support and advice will come from experts in areas such as finance, IT, law and marketing. Conceived by Senator Fidelma Healy Eames, Job Creation Initiative Oranmore has become a reality through the work of both Senator Healy Eames and the JCIO voluntary committee.
The theme for the open day was 'Turning the Light Back On: Hope in a Recession'. George Lee and other renowned business people talked at the event and gave advice to attendees who wish to set up their own business or are business owners already. Speakers included Pat McDonagh of Supermac's, John Coyle of Hygiea and Charles Lynch of Galway City and County Enterprise Board.
Speaking at the event, Lee said: "There is always a need for hope, and hope comes from the people. Our future is going to depend on what we do. We must get clever about how we see the future. There is a proposal on reforming the banking system, there is a proposal on reforming the public finance expenditure, and there is a proposal on reforming taxation, but no one is joining the dots and providing an economic stimulus. The public must demand more. The secret to getting out of this recession is to grow the economy."
Speaking afterwards Senator Fidelma Healy Eames said "the buzz in the room was just amazing. Businesses started networking and suggesting how they could be supportive to each other. Clodagh Swanson, Oranmore, offered two free scholarships, valued at €2,000 each for anyone wishing to train in beauty therapy; Mentor Bridgette Brew, Clarinbridge, offered free mentoring. One company Recruit Direct even had 200 jobs available for candidates with two languages."
Senator Healy Eames continued: "The open day was inspiring and uplifting for attendees, with extremely positive feedback coming from people on how much an organisation such as JCIO is needed in order to provide hope for people who wish to create jobs for themselves and others within an area. I am delighted with the response."
Key challenges for business and for people facing unemployment were addressed, with much needed business advice coming from the panel of business people. Sean McNulty, guest speaker on innovation offered a free half days training on showing business how to identify customers' unmet needs. Seventeen people signed up immediately.
Spirit Films produced a film on business in Galway especially for Job Creation Initiative Oranmore, focusing on businesses which are surviving the recession, using creative ideas to grow during this time. Businesses such as Incision Signage, Galway Now, The Waiting Room, Hygeia, Galway Business School, and Executive Helicopters are Galway businesses featured in the film which are finding opportunity in the recession through innovation. This film will be available for viewing on www.jobcreationinitiativeoranmore.ie and on www.fidelmahealyeames.ie Job Creation Initiative Oranmore is an organisation supporting people who may have lost their jobs and wish to start up their own business as well as people who are struggling in business. For further information on Job Creation Initiative Oranmore phone 091 768466 or log on to www.jobcreationinitiativeoranmore.ie
