Dust + Rock selected as one of five Munster businesses for Virgin Media’s €100,000 ‘Backing Business’ Initiative
Local Enterprise Office Waterford-supported client, Dust + Rock, was selected as one of five Munster businesses for Virgin Media’s ‘Backing Business’ initiative.
Founder Susan Furniss Radley will receive a share of an overall prize fund of €100,000 in support, which includes a digital transformation package and the benefit of expertise and insights from each of the Virgin Media ‘Backing Business’ partners.
The Dungarvan based commercial pilot turned businesswoman, and busy mum-of-three, has been blazing a trail in the Irish market with her ‘wrist pocket’, a handy purse that fits neatly on the wrist and holds all your essentials, a unique take on an everyday purse with added functionality and peace of mind due to its clever design.
Dust + Rock was one of 149 enterprises that applied to the ‘Backing Business’ initiative when it was launched on May 4th and Susan was delighted to be successful in her application.
“It was fantastic to learn that Dust + Rock was chosen, and the support and expertise from the ‘Backing Business’ partners will be invaluable to my business. I am currently in the process of expanding new markets into Europe and the US, so to be able to avail of free Fibre Business Broadband with Virgin Media Business, an online Shopify Store built by Milk Bottle Labs, full membership of Digital Business Ireland's extensive network and mentoring from Local Enterprise Office Waterford is an incredible boost to my plans.”
“I don’t think I’m wrong in saying the last 15 months have been extremely challenging for all businesses, regardless of scale. However, getting involved in this initiative really highlights how much resilience and positivity there is in the small business sector and one which I plan to take the fullest advantage of as I intend to grow and develop my company, ranges and markets.”
Brid Kirby, Senior Enterprise Development Officer at Local Enterprise Office Waterford said, “This a real show of confidence in Susan and her business. For a relatively young company to be able to avail of such business supports will help her progress her business.”
“From day one, Susan has devoted so much time and energy to Dust + Rock, initially attending expos and showcases throughout the country, and only recently moving into new premises. The backing of a dedicated mentor, free fibre broadband and a new Shopify store will allow her to focus on developing her amazing range of ‘wrist pockets’.”
“Local Enterprise Office Waterford along with the other Virgin Media’s partners are looking forward to working with her in the coming months to help her take her business to the next level.”
If you have a business idea, or are looking to grow your business, you can find out about the wide range of business support services available from Local Enterprise Office Waterford by visiting www.localenterprise.ie/Waterford/