Launched by the Local Enterprise Office (LEO ), Galway in collaboration with BIA Innovator, the newly unveiled curated, food industry led training and networking programmes provide a delicious opportunity for local food businesses that are currently in the pre-start-up stage.
Success is projected to be sweeter and easier than ever thanks to the newly launched programmes which are specifically aimed for micro and small food businesses and will provide expertly crafted support for pre-start-up companies up until their first 48 months in operation.
Derek Dunwoody, the general manager of the BIA Innovator Campus CLG, has praised the newly launched programmes and events for the level of support and information they offer to budding food entrepreneurs.
"Our mission is to empower food producers with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in a challenging economic environment and ultimately succeed in business delivering growth and economic prosperity to the West of Ireland. We are delighted to partner with Local Enterprise Office Galway in delivering this programme and look forward to continuing this partnership into the future."
Highlights
Focusing on launching your business the smart way, the programmes feature events and highlights aimed to support and aid budding food entrepreneurs. These events include;
'Bootstrapping' a feature particularly useful for start-up companies who already have a concept, or a product, that is ready to enter the marketplace.
'Start-Up Studio Bootcamp' which has been designed to teach those new to the industry how to 'supercharge' their brand in just six steps.
The BIG Pitch Tent, which is a networking event that includes a 'Producers Parade' offering suppliers the opportunity to meet, display and pitch their products to buyers, business advisory clinics as well as a 'technical check up' with BIA's resident food technologists.
Helping food businesses to 'survive and thrive'
These programmes have been tailored to meet the specific needs of the food sector, offering an opportunity for entrepreneurs to gain access to robust educational resources which have been designed specifically for their individual and sector's learning requirements.
Regarding the newly launched programmes, the acting head of Enterprise, LEO Galway, Caroline Mc Donagh, summed up the benefits of the programme saying, "’The food industry is navigating demanding and challenging times and there is a critical need for innovative training solutions to support both pre-start-up and existing food producers.
"In response, LEO Galway has worked closely with BIA to develop a programme to address the current demands and needs of the industry, supporting small business sustainability and future growth.
"With revenues reduced and costs increased, the food industry, already operating on tight margins, faces immense pressure. Now, more than ever, food producers need to adopt smarter business strategies, communicate their value effectively, and remain commercially focused to survive and thrive.”
Fostering innovation
Describing the collaborative effort between the BIA Innovator Campus, Galway County Council and LEO as proof of the dedication to supporting local food businesses, Galway County Council's Director of Services for Economic Development and Planning, Liam Hanrahan, said, "We are proud to host Ireland’s first National Centre of Excellence dedicated to supporting start-up, micro, and small food businesses in County Galway. The campus spans 23,000 square feet across three buildings to facilitate the launch and development of new and existing food businesses and serves to facilitate all stages of their entrepreneurial journey."
'Gather and Grow'
There are a number networking events aimed at micro and small food businesses are currently being rolled out. The first of these 'Gather and Grow' events will take place on October 23, at the BIA with local food entrepreneur and co-founder of Clean Cut Meals, Michéal Dyer as guest speaker. Clean Cut Meals was founded in Galway in 2015 by Michéal and Conor McCallion. Less than a decade later, the business has gone from strength-to-strength, going from an online meal subscription service to becoming a household brand that is available in 400 SuperValu and Centra stores in Ireland. Michéal will discuss his entrepreneurial journey followed by a questions and answers session.
For more information on events please check out: biainnovatorcampus.ie
