Double win for Wicklow Enterprise Park businesses
THERE were celebrations at Wicklow Enterprise Park in honour of two of its start-up businesses winning major national awards in recent weeks.
The board of the park decided to celebrate the success of the Riverwalk Café and Ray of Sunshine in All-Ireland Community and Council Awards.
The award for ‘Best Education or Training Initiative’ was presented to the Riverwalk Café, which was set up by Patrick Flanagan to create employment by providing free training to people seeking a career in the food and hospitality sector. As well as providing skilled hospitality employees for Wicklow’s vibrant tourism sector, the café also serves the other start-ups and small businesses found at the enterprise park. Funded by KWETB, classes are conducted in Marine House while onthe-job training takes place at the café, providing a balance between theoretical and practical learning.
Only six months into their pilot programme, the project has already been deemed a major success and has expanded into Arklow.
Meanwhile, Ray of Sunshine won the award for ‘Best Business Working with the Community’.
Amanda Spiteri set up the childcare provider to meet what she believes is a ‘desperate’ need for affordable childcare services during out-of-school hours. Amanda found herself forced to leave full-time employment due to high costs of childcare. After realising that this was a far from unique situation, she set up Ray of Sunshine to provide a fun, after-school service for primary school children on the school premises. Already, some 450 children from 12 different schools are enrolled.
To celebrate these two awards, Patrick Flanagan, Riverwalk Cafe with the board of Wicklow Enterprise Park presented Patrick and Amanda with framed certificates.
In addition, some of the Ray of Sunshine children enjoyed a ‘sunshine party’ complete with sunny cupcakes and a sun-shaped piñata, while Patrick and the staff at Riverwalk Café were presented with a stunning waterside-themed flower arrangement.