‘Covid-19 threw us a curve ball but we used it to the best of our advantage’
What level of start-up costs did you incur in setting up the business?
I don’t have an exact figure but it wasn’t a huge cost. We did it as economically as possible, and it’s our philosophy to reduce waste so we upcycled the sheds on the premises rather than knock them and build new ones.
Seeing as many of the rare foods and wild flowers were already there, we didn’t have a big investment.
Was financing readily available from the banks for this type of business?
Yes, we could have got a business loan from the banks to start up the business but we decided not to go down that route. We used our own money to start things up.
Was planning permission required and if so, was it difficult to get?
We didn’t require planning for our business. We didn’t actually build anything.
Did you need a licence or permission from any other government body?
We are registered with ‘The
Organic Trust’ through the Department of Agriculture.
What grant aid or other assistance was available? We didn’t apply for any grant aid but I was chosen for the ACORNS programme in 2019. It supports earlystage female entrepreneurs living in rural Ireland. It’s not a grant aid, it’s mentorship.
What supports bodies/ agencies were available to help?
The ACORNS programme has been fantastic, especially throughout Covid-19 it provides great mentorship and advice.
Triona Mac Giolla Rí, the co-founder and director of Aró Digital Strategy, is also a great support to me. The Department of Agriculture,
Denise with some of her plug plants
Failte Ireland and the All Ireland Pollinator Plan have all been helpful too.
Was insurance required? We weren’t required to get any insurance but we decided to get product insurance anyway.
How did the business affect your tax dealings?
I just have to file my taxes at the end of each year. I still work full time as a regional skills manager for the West of Ireland as well as having this business.
How much time was needed to get your farm off the ground?
It only took about six months to get the business up and running originally. The pivot for the new side of the business was even quicker, it took just one month. We needed it to be quick.
‘It’s our philosophy to reduce waste so we upcycled the sheds on the premises rather than knock them and build new ones’
Did you encounter any unexpected pitfalls or challenges?
So far no, everything has worked out well. Covid-19 threw us a curve ball but we used it to the best of our advantage.