The function of Laois Innovation is to develop products for export, replace existing imports and to create more jobs in Laois and surrounding areas.

We are looking for people to help us to move the Laois Innovation group forward. Everyone from every walk of life has something to offer because everyone has ideas and everyone has experience with consuming products and services.  So we welcome everyone, e.g. business people, students of all ages, employed, self employed and unemployed people and pensioners.  We have had a couple of induction meetings so far with approximately 22 people attending each meeting. You can see a couple of promotional videos, photos and other useful content on our facebook page.

The induction meetings are about defining innovation and then splitting participants into groups to brainstorm certain topics. The next step is to encourage participants to join the focus groups that are focused on particular industries to come up with ideas for products or services that can be developed in those sectors.

We also need some volunteers to help co-ordinate/facilitate the focus groups.  If you are interested in becoming involved as a participant or a volunteer please join our Facebook page

Check out a video summary of recent workshop in Portlaoise

Ray Dunne and Helen Gee

Bernadine Mulhall

OVER 80 potential entrepreneurs attended our workshop last Thursday night.
Laois Partnership chief executive Anne Goodwin opened the seminar by welcoming three Laois-based entrepreneurs: Ray Dunne (Quarrymount Free Range Meats), Helen Gee (G’s Jams) and Bernadine Mulhall (Coolanowle Country House).

She said: “We are delighted to open this rural business workshop with presentations from three entrepreneurs with such high national profiles. Ray, Helen and Bernadine are each examples of innovative farm diversification projects which we funded under the Leader+ programme, now known as the rural development programme.”                                                        

Peter Young, Paul McCarthy & Mark Clancy

Anne Goodwin and Paddy Buggy

RTÉ’s Higher Ground mentors Peter Young and Paul McCarthy gave their insights on the success factors when developing innovative rural business ideas. They have created an eight-series TV programme on the common and costly pitfalls associated with starting a business.

John & Katie Dunne, Orla Mulligan

Project officer Mark Clancy outlined the grants and other supports that are available from Laois Partnership, including details of two courses beginning next month for those looking to start or develop their own food or tourism enterprises.

If  this event has whetted your appetite then why not enrol on one of our upcoming training courses which will guide your through the process of establishing and developing a food or tourism business.

Food Business Startup Course - Starting 18th March 2010

Tourism Business Startup Course - Starting 8th March 2010