Grow Your Business Seminar

Thursday, 9^th March

Sheraton Hotel, Athlone

Do you own or manage a small business?   Are you thinking of starting a new business?   What state assistance is available to you?

Local Enterprise Office Westmeath are hosting a morning information event on March 9^th in the Sheraton Hotel in Athlone, for both people already in business and those thinking of starting up a business to address any questions they may have.  As guest speaker at the Showcase event Ramona Nicholas will retrace some of her route to success and point up the importance of enterprise spirit, commitment and self-belief.

There will be a number of Government Agencies and information stands on the day if you wish to speak with people including Solas, Local Enterprise Office , Enterprise Ireland, Enterprise Europe Network, Micro Finance Ireland, Department of Social Protection, Intreo and Employment Services, Westmeath Community Development, Westmeath County Council, Patents Office & Intertrade Ireland. The Agencies will be able to answer any questions you may have about key regulations and assistance available to your business.

There will also be a number of Local Enterprise Office mentors available to advise people on accessing finance, investigating a business, grant aids and marketing etc. These mentor slots are free but PRE-BOOKING is essential so phone 044-9338945 to book your place.

The event is FREE OF CHARGE, for further information or to reserve your place, bookings can be made on www.localenterprise.ie/westmeath or contact 044 9338945.

Guest Speaker - Ramona Nicholas

Ramona Nicholas is a self made, Award winning, Female Entrepreneur who is the Joint Managing Director of the Cara Group, which holds 13 Pharmacies, 2 Cara Home stores and also a thriving Online store. She was also quoted as the only person in the Irish Independent '40 under 40' in 2013 to watch in Retail. She has entered her third series as a Dragon on the RTE Series 'Dragons Den' and also was the only female and youngest person to complete the Series 'The Secret Millionaire' in 2012.

The Cara Group was formed with her husband in 2002, and over the last 12 years the group has grown to a turnover of over €25 Million +. The company employs over 180 people, with their head office based in Ballyshannon, Co. Donegal. A Qualified Pharmacist, she is highly skilled in Strategic Planning, HR, Aggressive Purchasing Methods, Design Management, Accounting Structures, Web Development and much more. She is extremely passionate about Retail and Brand Management both on the High Street and through eCommerce. The Company has won many Awards under her guidance, including the Deloitte Best Managed Company 2012, 2013, and 2014, and achieved the Gold Standard in 2015.

A classic, self-made Entrepreneur, Ramona is not afraid to take chances and work to make these commercially fruitful successes. Ramona remains abreast of modern retail successes and takes a particular interest in online retailing and the role of social media in promoting modern day business. She is extremely competitive and will ensure that everything she puts her touch on becomes a success in every way.

AGENDA

11:10             Welcome from MC

11:20             Christine Charlton Head of Local Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office

11:35             Enterprise Ireland

11:50             Key note address:- Ramona Nicholas, Guest Speaker followed by Questions & Answers session

1:00               Close of Function and Exhibition Open

                      Mentoring Clinics Open

FULL DETAILS OF ENTERPRISE WEEK CAN BE FOUND ON WWW.LOCALENTERPRISE.IE/WESTMEATH