Dylan Hennessy is the founder of Slim Cocktail Mixes, a range of low calorie, low sugar cocktail mixes. Mixes with seven times less calories and sugar than the average cocktail mix.

“The journey began when we noticed a gap in the market for delicious, low calorie cocktail options. We were tired of having to choose between indulging in our favourite drinks and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. So, we decided to take matters into our own hands and create our own line of low-calorie cocktail mixes.”

The company has developed in the last 12 months, with the support of the Waterford LEO. “After successfully finishing the New Frontiers Programme I was approved for the Priming Grant through the LEO in June 2022. Along with the financial support, a coworking desk was allocated for the business in Boxworks.”

The priming grant allowed Dylan to work full time on developing the business. This grant was the perfect steppingstone between New Frontiers and securing his first round of investment in 2023. “The team at the LEO has really helped me develop as a business, its support is more than just financial. Without this support, the progress made to secure the investment wouldn’t have been achieved.”

“In the early stages of a business when so much is unknown, having the opportunity to get funding in the area of innovation & marketing made spending on things like prototypes, cocktail trial batches, brand development much easier. We spent months experimenting with different ingredients and flavour combinations to create the perfect mixes.” 

“The desk space and being part of Boxworks has been unbelievable too. The atmosphere in there is so encouraging and has positively impacted the business and myself as an entrepreneur.”

Local Enterprise Office Waterford is here to help you start a business, expand an existing business or reach new markets. It provides advice, information and supports in starting up or growing your business as part of a network of 31 Local Enterprise Offices across Ireland. 

Contact your Local Enterprise Office Waterford for their latest training programmes and events schedule on www.localenterprise.ie/Waterford or email info@leo.waterfordcouncil.ie for access to all their training support information.

Slim Cocktail Mixes can be found at www.slimcocktailmixes.ie.