Minister launches Entrepreneurial Innovators Networking Event - Bizfest 2015

Minister launches Entrepreneurial Innovators Networking Event - Bizfest 2015

A free event called ‘Bizfest’ aimed at helping Irish companies to develop their networks and expand their business in 2016 is being hosted in Carlow on 12th November 2015.

Now in its third year Bizfest 2015 hosted by the Carlow , Tipperary & Kilkenny County Councils – Local Enterprise Offices  in association Bank of Ireland , Netwatch , Connect Ireland & Carlow Chamber will be held on 12th November 2015 in the Woodford Dolmen Hotel , Kilkenny Road , Carlow.

Bizfest aims to provide an opportunity for owners managers and their key staff across Ireland to make connections while immersing themselves in the experience, entrepreneurial spirit and stories of entrepreneurs like David Walsh of Netwatch ,Conor Mulhall of the Little Milk Company , Terry Clune of Taxback.com , Michael Dawson – Founder of the Gift Voucher Shop / One for All , Mags Kirwan of Goatsbridge Trout Farm & Linda Nolan MD of Mybio winner of the National Enterprise Awards 2015.

The event is hosted by Dragons Den presenter Richard Curran and was attended by over 300 businesses in 2014. 

Launching the event, Minister Bruton said: “Two thirds of all new jobs come from start-ups and we have put in place a range of measures through the Action Plan for Jobs and through the recent Budget to provide supports for entrepreneurs.  My Department set up www.actionplanforjobs.ie which aims at providing information in relation to all Government supports available for business.  Making connections is an essential part of doing business in Ireland, learning from one another and getting support for business is crucial for successful businesses and I would encourage Ireland’s enterprise community to attend Bizfest, a great event for businesses in the region which is designed as part of the ongoing supports of the Local Enterprise Offices across the country”.

Speaking about the event Kathleen Holohan, Chief Executive of Carlow County Council said “The Local Enterprise Office Networking Events are popular and lively events which generate much interest from businesses and help make connections happen which in turn develop key relationships, boost revenues and help maintain and create jobs”.  Holohan said “Bizfest is designed to help bridge the gap between SME's and large companies and this proved to be a successful model in 2014.  We are delighted that this enterprise development initiative has in fact been shortlisted for a Chambers Ireland Excellence in Local Government Award”.

Panelist and event partner David Walsh, Group CEO of Netwatch said “Outside mentors and experienced people were a huge driver for Netwatch, not only in the start-up phase but still today”. “The more advice and experience you can bring to the company, the better equipped you will be to deal with the obstacles when they are presented.”

Bizfest 2015  is co-hosted by Bank of Ireland and Derek Shannon – Manager in Carlow said : “We would encourage all businesses to participate in Bizfest 2015 as the event provides businesses with an opportunity to make connections, not just with us as a bank, but also with their peers across the country who will attend this event”

For further information on the event go to www.localenterprise.ie/carlow or e-mail enterprise@carlowcoco.ie