Galway’s small food businesses invited to participate in Innovative Training Programmes

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Galway’s small food businesses invited to participate in Innovative Training Programmes

Local Enterprise Office, Galway in collaboration with BIA Innovator are delighted to announce the launch of curated food industry led training and networking programmes.

The new programmes are targeted at pre-start-up micro and small food businesses and those within the first 48 months of their journey.

-          Bootstrapping – how to play smart and flourish as a start-up- this is geared towards start-up companies who have a concept / product and ready to enter the marketplace.

-          Start-up Studio Bootcamp – Supercharge your brand in 6 steps.

-          The BIG Pitch – there will be a Producers Parade where suppliers can meet display and meet and pitch to buyers, Business Advisory Clinics and a Technical Check Up with resident Food Technologists in BIA.

Programmes are tailored to meet the specific needs of the food sector and entrepreneurs will gain access to robust educational resources designed specifically for their sectoral learning requirements.

Covering technical, commercial, and marketing aspects, the programmes equip participants with the knowledge and resources to overcome challenges, solve problems, and avoid pitfalls in an increasingly demanding environment. By completing all or selected elements of these programmes, participants will be better prepared to establish and sustain successful food businesses.

A new series of networking events; Gather and Grow, tailored for micro and small food businesses is being rolled out. The first one will take place on October 23rd in BIA with Micheál Dyer founder of Clean Cut Meals. Founded in Galway in 2015 by Micheál and Conor McCallion, it began as an online meal subscription service. Clean Cut Meals have just launched their national rollout across 400 SuperValu and Centra stores. Micheál will chat about his entrepreneurial journey and will be available for a Q&A afterwards.

Liam Hanrahan, Director of Services – Economic Development & Planning, Galway County Council said "The ongoing collaboration between BIA Innovator Campus, Galway County Council and LEO remains steadfast in its commitment to bolstering the success of BIA. Our collective efforts are dedicated to supporting local businesses and fostering innovation in the realm of food entrepreneurship. We are proud to host Ireland’s first National Centre of Excellence dedicated to supporting start-up, micro, and small food businesses in County Galway.  The campus spans 23,000 square feet across three buildings to facilitate the launch and development of new and existing food businesses and serves to facilitate all stages of their entrepreneurial journey."

Caroline Mc Donagh, Acting Head of Enterprise, LEO Galway says ‘’The food industry is navigating demanding and challenging times and there is a critical need for innovative training solutions to support both pre-start-up and existing food producers.

In response, LEO Galway has worked closely with BIA to develop a programme to address the current demands and needs of the industry, supporting small business sustainability and future growth.

With revenues reduced and costs increased, the food industry, already operating on tight margins, faces immense pressure. Now, more than ever, food producers need to adopt smarter business strategies, communicate their value effectively, and remain commercially focussed to survive and thrive.”

Derek Dunwoody, General Manager, BIA Innovator Campus CLG says ‘’We are dedicated to supporting the food industry through innovative solutions, educational programmes, and resources that drive growth and sustainability. Our mission is to empower food producers with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in a challenging economic environment and ultimately succeed in business delivering growth and economic prosperity to the West of Ireland. We are delighted to partner with Local Enterprise Office Galway in delivering this programme and look forward to continuing this partnership into the future.  

For more information on events please check out: biainnovatorcampus.ie