It was announced today that 17 entrepreneurs have created new businesses and jobs over the last 9 months, thanks to the WREN Programme – the Women’s Rural Enterpreneurial Network. 
 
The WREN programme supports female entrepreuneurs, startups led by women or those interested in becoming self-employed through training and business development supports.  The programme is operated in partnership with Ballyhoura Development, Cork Institute of Technology’s Rubicon Centre and Hincks Centre for Entrepreneurship Excellence and funded by Department of Justice and Equality and the European Social Fund.
 
It includes personal development and business skills training, one to one and group mentoring, female 'role model' sharing of experience and support, themed networking and experiential learning events, formation and facilitation of the facilitated networking sessions and a networking / business pitching event.

The programme is currently recruiting for the next round of potential female entrepreneurs, which would begin the next WREN programme in September 2018 until May 2019.
 
Speaking this week, CEO at SECAD, Ryan Howard said, "Today’s showcase of 17 new companies created by women is inspirational and exciting. Over the past 9 months, the WREN participants have established diverse businesses across a number of sectors from food and hospitality to photography and craft and many have international and export potential."

He added, "It is vital for rural communities that female entrepreneurship is supported and today certainly demonstrates how creative and successful these businesses can be."  
 
Source: www.businessworld.ie