Entrepreneur Superstars come together for the third Entrepreneur Experience®
08 February, 2013
AxisBIC are delighted to announce some incredible additions to the list of Seasoned Entrepreneurs participating at the third Entrepreneur Experience®. The Entrepreneur Experience® is a unique opportunity for Emerging Entrepreneurs to gain unparalleled access, advice and mentoring from some of Ireland’s most successful business leaders. The 2013 Entrepreneur Experience® is taking place from Friday 22nd to Saturday 23rd of March in the Trident Hotel, Kinsale, Co. Cork.
Pádraig Ó Céidigh, founder of Aer Arann, winner of the Ernst & Young Irish Entrepreneur of the Year in 2002 has confirmed his participation at the event. Pádraig is dedicated to nurturing entrepreneurship and was a member of the 2004 and 2005 World Entrepreneur of the Year judging panels. As well as an Adjunct Professor of Entrepreneurship and Business in NUIG he continues his association as Chair of the judging panel for the Irish Entrepreneur of the Year awards.
Also confirming her participation is Peaches Kemp, co-founder of the phenomenally successful itsa…. Now with 6 itsa bagel shops, 3 cafes located in Dublin Castle, Imma and the Hugh Lane Gallery, as well as restaurants in both Brown Thomas Cork and Dublin. Pete Smyth may not be a household name but when, in 2008 Pete was Chief Executive of Noonan Services Group he sold the company, the company had an annual turnover of €120m and employed 5,500 staff. Pete has since founded Broadlake Capital with a view to providing capital and support to growing companies. Also participating is Edmond Harty, 2012 winner of the Ernst & Young Irish Entrepreneur of the Year. Edmond is the Technical Director of Kerry-based Dairymaster, a world leader in the development and manufacture of dairy farm equipment.
They join an incredible list of business leaders who are already confirmed most of whom participate in the 2011 and 2012 Entrepreneur Experiences. They include; Liam Casey, PCH International; Jim Barry, the Barry Group; Frankie Whelehan, Choice Hotels; Dave Ronayne, Mainport; Bill Liao, co-founder XING & Coder Dojo, and Sean O’Sullivan, SOS Ventures & Avego.
Asked about his participation at the event, Pádraig Ó Céidigh commented that “Events like the Entrepreneur Experience are crucial for Ireland’s economic future. Entrepreneurs share many common backgrounds, business and personal characteristics and never has there been a greater need to bring these Entrepreneurs together to assist them to overcome the barriers and difficulties they face in establishing and growing successful businesses.”
Commenting on the Seasoned Entrepreneurs who have confirmed their participation, Jim Breen, PulseLearning and AxisBIC Board member said “We are delighted to welcome such great Entrepreneurs to an already fantastic group of Seasoned Entrepreneurs. These Entrepreneurs give freely of their time, energy, enthusiasm and advice to ensure that this event is like no other. This year we have received over 40 applications for 24 places and are really impressed by the standard we are seeing.”
Pictured at the launch; Michael O'Connor, AxisBIC; Paul Prendergast, Yougetitback; Joe Moore, Socowave; Mark Buckley, Glowroute and Pat O'Flynn, Solvotrin
Applications are now closed for Emerging Entrepreneurs and there has been an incredible response from all over Ireland and beyond for the 24 available places at the Experience. These include; Entrepreneurs with a new idea; Entrepreneurs with an investor ready proposition, and Entrepreneurs with an established business seeking to scale and grow. For more information go to the 2013 Entrepreneur Experience® Webpage.