FIRST STEP MICROFINANCE AWARDS REFLECT CHANGING FACE OF IRISH ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Sarah and Emily Hehir from Cocobeans

The winners of the 2006 First Step Microfinance Awards have been announced and were presented with their aWwards in the Four Season’s Hotel 20th November 2006.

Bumblebees, an indoor play centre for children in County Donegal has scooped the Best Newcomer Award, while Limerick based artisan chocolate company ‘CocoaBean’ was awarded the top prize for the Best Established Entrepreneur Award.

John Cranfield CEO of First Step Microfinance said, “this year’s finalists reflect the changing face of entrepreneursism in Ireland and we are delighted to recognise the thriving Lithuanian and Algerian business communities in Ireland amongst our The First Step Microfinance Awards recognise emerging Irish businesses who, in the face of funding challenges, have gone on to make an outstanding success of their business start up.

“Each year a staggering 30,000 new businesses start up in Ireland. The majority of these businesses are small, and expect to remain so. What First Step Microfinance has proven is that there are many budding entrepreneurs with very good ideas who, with a little support and encouragement, can successfully start their own business achieving excellence and sustainability,” explained Cranfield.

Speaking following receiving their award, Stephen and Bridin Bell, co-founders of Bumblebees said, “we have many dreams for the future and in order to progress with our business we must constantly develop and implement new ideas. We are currently building a disco room targeting an older age group and would like to diversify our business to include laser parties and an activity centre, targeting the adult market.”

Sisters, Sarah Hehir and Emily Sandford co-founders of Cocoabean added “recognition for achievement and excellence is invaluable in our industry and this award represents an important milestone for Cocobean.”

The awards are sponsored by FAS, First Ireland Insurance Brokers and Enterprise Ireland. Guest speaker Eddie Jordan and over 300 of Ireland’s leading business people attended the Awards on 20th November 2006 at a luncheon in the Four Season’s Hotel.