Local businesses participating in the first phase of the SCCUL Mentors programme will share their success stories at the next week’s launch event of the 2013 programme. Bank of Ireland chief economist Dan McLaughlin will be the key note speaker at the event which takes place in the Clayton Hotel on Wednesday January 30 at 6pm.
Since the programme launch last May more than 160 businesses in Galway have received free business advice and mentoring from 70 leading business figures.
One such business was Proof Graphic Design Studio which saw the programme as an opportunity to evaluate its business with an experienced and successful business person. It was matched with mentor Declan Droney of award winning Kinvara Smoked Salmon who worked with Joanne Hussey in Proof Graphic Design Studio on strategic business development.
“Participating in the SCCUL Mentors programme has benefited our business enormously and we have taken onboard a lot of our mentor’s suggestions and seen a significant change in our business,” said Joanne.
Her mentor Declan was impressed by Joanne’s drive and passion for her business and worked with her on developing a strategy and identifying business goals.
“I was delighted to be involved with SCCUL Mentors - as I’ve learned far more from other people in business than from any formal training I have ever received,” said Mr Droney.
“I was able to share some of my own business experience with Joanne and we worked on identifying her business goals and putting a strategy in place to achieve them,” he said.
Declan and Joanne will participate in a Q&A session facilitated by Nial O’Reilly of Ignite Coach at the SCCUL Mentors' Launch. Also taking part is Robin Heneghan of Lightfoot and his mentor Myles McHugh.
Reflecting on the success of the first year of the SCCUL Mentors Programme Liam Bluett said “At times it can be a lonely and isolated road for owners of SME’s - SCCUL Mentors provides a real opportunity for SME owners to get access to different perspectives.”
“The biggest demand we have had was for public relations and marketing support and luckily we’ve been able to call on the pro bono support of the many public relations and marketing experts here in Galway,” continues Liam.
Such was the demand for the service that additional mentors had to be recruited one month into the programme to facilitate the need for hands on practical support.
SCCUL Mentors has carried out reseach on the programme and will be publishing the results of mentor and participating business questionnaires at next week’s launch.
Master of Ceremonies for next week’s event is Padraig O’Callaghan, Secretary SCCUL Enterprises & member of the SCCUL Mentors Advisory Board.
The launch of the SCCUL Mentors 2013 Programme is a free event, however registration is required. To register please contact Liam Bluett on 091 386 004 or email [email protected]. For further details please check out www.scculmentors.ie
