News & Events

Minister Humphreys presents €3,000 prize to Martina Woods, Harry’s Dog Bakery, at Co. Monaghan Fuelling Ambition Roadshow

Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys TD presented Martina Woods, the winner of an Elevator Pitch competition, with a prize worth €3,000 in Co. Monaghan last night.

The competition was part of the Fuelling Ambition ‘Lead and Succeed’ Roadshow event in the Nuremore Hotel, Carrickmacross. A Government of Ireland initiative, the roadshow was organised by Enterprise Ireland and Network Ireland, in conjunction with the Entrepreneurs Academy, and was attended by business women and entrepreneurs from the North-East and border region.

Martina Woods is the founder of Harry’s Dog Bakery which produces natural dog treats that are gluten and wheat free.

The Co. Monaghan Roadshow was the final in a series of free-to-attend events which took place across the country during March, April and May which aimed to encourage, support and drive the ambition of female entrepreneurs nationally by showcasing thriving Irish business women and entrepreneurs.

The Elevator Pitch competition offers a cash prize package sponsored by Facebook worth €2,000 at each location, as well as additional prizes worth up to €1,000.

Speaking at the event, Minister Humphreys said: “I am greatly impressed, not only by the number of ambitious women participating in the Fuelling Ambition Roadshow here in Monaghan, but also the diversity of start-ups that are emerging from the border region. We need to encourage entrepreneurs to create new enterprises and jobs right across the country, and I want to especially encourage the women of Monaghan, Cavan and the surrounding counties to explore and develop their business ideas.  As a Government, we want to ensure that women in business have the supports they need to realise their full potential, and this is a big priority for my Department’s agency, Enterprise Ireland.”

Ms Woods received a prize package that is designed to support her on her business journey, including:

10 sessions with Enterprise Ireland Mentors and attendance at Enterprise Ireland’s Excel at Export Selling training programme

Annual membership of Network Ireland

Guest speakers at the event were Lisa Marie Clinton, Founder of Avail Support Ltd, and Ciara Carolan, Director of ADN Materials Ltd. Representatives from Enterprise Ireland, LEO Monaghan and Network Ireland were on hand to discuss the range of supports available to female entrepreneurs and those thinking of starting their own businesses. The event also provided an opportunity to network with entrepreneurs and business people.

ENDS

Further details contact:

Enterprise Ireland: Brigid Burke, Press & Media Relations 01-7272430, brigid.burke@enterprise-ireland.com

Network Ireland: Denise Fay, denise@achievemarketing.ie