Offaly entrepreneurs successfully complete Create Green Offaly Programme
Offaly Local Development Company (OLDC) celebrated the successful completion of its 'Create Green New Product Development Programme', which concluded this week with a final presentation day at Fiesta Hall, Kilcormac.
The programme brought together a talented group of Offaly-based entrepreneurs and businesses from an array of industries, to be mentored in sustainability and creativity by renowned Irish business and product development specialist Eddie Shanahan.
Eddie brought considerable expertise in Irish product and business development, having worked with organisations including Design & Crafts Council Ireland, and developed the CREATE project with Brown Thomas, supporting Irish design talent to reach new markets.
Eddie provided the participants with an opportunity to explore new ideas, develop products and collections, strengthen their brands and identify opportunities for future business growth.
The programme consisted of three intensive development sessions followed by a final presentation day on November 11. Participants worked through the different stages of product development, from initial inspiration and design development to branding, storytelling, pricing, presentation and identifying target markets.
The participating businesses included Lynda Deverell of Annaharvey Farm; David Claxton of Wagyu Wagon; Aisling Corrigan; Rita Daly of Rita Daly Designs; Helen Bracken of Fox Covert Farm; Cristine Ramirez Mora of Bia LaTina and Rebecca Whelan of The Next Chapter Bridal & Occasion.
Throughout the programme, participants were encouraged to challenge their thinking, explore new possibilities and look at their businesses from fresh perspectives. The final presentation day provided an opportunity to showcase their ideas, share their progress and receive constructive feedback, celebrating the innovation, creativity and ambition within Offaly's business community.
A key element of the programme was its connection to Create Green, OLDC's wider initiative supporting businesses in the creative industries and artisan speciality food sectors to embrace more sustainable approaches to business development.
Sustainability was considered alongside creativity and commercial development, encouraging participants to think about the materials they use, their production processes, sourcing, packaging and the wider environmental impact of their products. The programme also highlighted the importance of genuine and meaningful sustainability efforts, helping businesses recognise that environmental responsibility and commercial success can go hand in hand.
Speaking following the successful completion of the programme, Roisin Lennon CEO of Offaly Local Development Company said: “We are absolutely delighted with the success of this programme... A particular highlight has been seeing participants think beyond the product itself and consider the importance of strong branding, storytelling, understanding their customers and building sustainability into their business development.”
OLDC also acknowledged and thanked Eddie Shanahan for his contribution to the programme.