Google, Enterprise Ireland (EI) and the Local Enterprise Offices (LEO) are today announcing that they have selected 21 SME’s from across Ireland to secure a truly unique, money- can’t-buy prize as part of the You’re The Business campaign. Now in its second year, You’re the Business is a training and mentoring programme that aims to accelerate Irish SME growth through digitalisation.
In addition to the training, You’re the Business features a competition element to recognise and reward SMEs that have demonstrated a commitment to digital at different stages of their growth journey – from those who have launched a website, through to those who are just starting to export. Entrants were asked to submit a video no longer than 2 minutes in duration, detailing what their business means to them and an example of how they have used digital to drive / grow / enhance their business.
Winners will receive a digital support package from Google which includes €1,000 Google ads credit, as well as one on one consultations with experts that will help them to further develop and grow their business. The selected businesses are invited to attend a celebratory event at Google’s The Foundry later this year.
An additional prize of a video creation kit was awarded to Jasmine Feehan, founder Dóchas Design Studio, for demonstrating great efforts in promoting their business online. Speaking about the competition, Jasmine said:
“I entered the You’re the Business Competition with hopes of expanding my digital expertise, growing my business online and advertising outside of social media. Developing the Dóchas Design Studio website and social media channels has allowed me to give a real sense of personality and brand identity to the business online. Without having a brick and mortar store, becoming familiar with website development and social media marketing has been essential to the success of Dóchas Design Studio and growing an online community.”
Speaking about their win, Sofie Rooney, co-owner and founder of winning SME Chimac, the Dublin-based Korean fusion chicken and sauce company, said:
“We’re so delighted to be a winner of this year’s Google You’re The Business competition. Whether it’s promoting our restaurant to potential customers, or reaching new markets with our Korean inspired sauces, Chimac has always used digital media as a targeted tool that enables us to speak directly with existing and potential customers As we move into 2024, Google’s support package of advertising funds and expert mentorship will play a key role in our strategic planning and marketing strategy.”
Cera Ward, Managing Director of Google Ireland said:
“In Ireland, over 90% of all enterprises stand within the SME bracket. SMEs like Chimac and those we are celebrating today are an integral part of the economy generating employment and providing services across the country. Business owners know that in order to reach Irish consumers, 90% of whom are active online, they need to ensure their online presence is at its best. You’re the Business helps SMEs to do just that, through training that is available on our dedicated site. We’;ve been proud to partner with Enterprise Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices in the delivery of the You’re the Business programme and I want to congratulate Chimac, Dóchas Design Studio and all the winners announced today, I look forward to seeing how they use this prize to support continued growth.”
Richard Murphy, head of LEO Support and Coordination Unit at Enterprise Ireland said:
“The role of digital in the evolution and growth of any SME has never been so keenly felt than over the past number of years. Companies have had to become more agile and digitally adept to survive and thrive. Opening up and sharing Google’s expertise in digital with SMEs across Ireland is a huge step forward in helping these companies to maximise their online presence and growth potential. Many congratulations to the winners announced today. We wish them continued success and look forward to supporting them as they grow both here in Ireland and hopefully internationally in the years to come.”
The foundation of You’re the Business is a digital upskill program. It is a Google initiative developed in partnership with EI and the LEOs that delivers on-demand training online, e-learning courses, and tools and other resources to SMEs in Ireland to help them upskill digitally.
For further information on the winners and the You’re The Business initiative, please visit: g.co/yourethebusiness
Winning SMEs:
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ADAPTAFASHION, Co.Donegal
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ANewMum, Co.Tipperary
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ARKequine, Co.Kildare
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Ballybar Ireland, Co. Carlow
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Bánór, Co.Tipperary
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Chimac, Co.Dublin
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Dóchas Designs, Co.Dublin
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Glamping Under The Stars, Co.Laois
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Go With The Flow River Adventures, Co.Carlow
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Gran Grans Foods, Co.Galway
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Irish Socksciety, Co.Galway
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JRC Components, Co.Cork
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Kemtron Gaskets & Seals Limited, Co.Cork
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O’Leary’s Camera World, Co.Cork
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Pathfinders Custom Conversions, Co. Leitrim
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Platform 55, Co.Dublin
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Riot Rye Bakehouse and Bread School, Co.Tipperary
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Spicy Dog Media, Co.Roscommon
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Stolen Stitches, Co.Cork
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Studio Dancewear, Co.Carlow
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Urban Aran, Co.Waterford