Food producers urged to apply for academy
FOOD and drink entrepreneurs in the Garden County are being encouraged to apply for the Food Academy programme.
The programme, which is run by Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Wicklow in partnership with SuperValu and Bord Bia, is open for applications until June 26.
The Food Academy programme was established in 2013 to support early stage food and drink producers and small food businesses who are just starting out. The applicants are trained through the Local Enterprise Office with expertise from Bord Bia and the opportunity at the end of the programme to graduate onto the shelves of their local SuperValu, getting a potential listing in one of Ireland’s biggest retailers.
Participants on the programme receive training in market research, branding and the consumer, food safety, marketing and social media, finance and growing your business.
Vibeke Delahunt, head of Local Enterprise Office Wicklow said; ‘We have a proud tradition of quality food and drink producers in the county. There is now a very defined path that those with ambitions to become food entrepreneurs can follow through the Digital School of Food, through to Food Starter and Food Academy.
‘Food and drinks producers contribute hugely to our local economy through sales and also supporting jobs. Food Academy has shown that it can bring the very best out of up-and-coming food businesses, so if you are starting out and want to give your business a great chance and the opportunity to secure a listing at one of Ireland’s largest retailers then this is the way to go.’
The closing date for applications is June 26. To apply, see www.localenterprise.ie.
NEW online training has been launched to help businesses cut their energy costs.
The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has launched the SEAI Energy Academy. The training aims to help businesses based in County Wicklow to lower their energy billsbyasmuchas10percent by educating businesses and employees on changing energy use behaviours and effective energy management.
With the increasing focus on climate change, many businesses are seeking to play their part in reducing their climate impact.
Fergus Sharkey, head of Business and Public Sector in SEAI, said: ‘We realise that businesses are facing very significant challenges right now, with many looking for opportunities to reduce their cost base.
‘Reducing energy use can be a great place to start. SEAI is here to help businesses on their energy efficiency journey, helping them identify energy saving opportunities and to implement those changes.
‘We planned the SEAI Energy Academy as an online resource so it is available to all businesses when and where suits them best. This might be additionally beneficial for those currently working from home as well as those who are now beginning a resumption of activities.’
The SEAI Energy Academy offers step-by-step energy training that’s tailored to specific business needs.
The online modules and courses cover topics such as: Energy and Climate Change; Business Energy Efficiency; Lighting; Heating; Refrigeration; Electric Vehicles; Electricity Bill Analysis; Behavioural Change; and Home Energy Efficiency.
Further modules are planned for the SEAI Energy Academy. The aim is to make it a ‘vital’ business energy resource into the future, and modules will be added throughout the year. On completing a course, learners will receive a certificate to demonstrate the company’s commitment to educating staff about energy.
For more information about this online resource, see www. seai.ie/energyacademy.