Hugely impressive business ideas on display at Discovery Zone in Kells – McEntee

Fine Gael Meath East TD, Helen McEntee, has today (Friday) said she was hugely impressed by the range of ideas on display at the Discovery Zone in Kells. Deputy McEntee was speaking after meeting with the group earlier this week, at the beginning of a new 12-week programme.

“The Discovery Zone is a truly inspirational initiative, which was first started in Co. Meath and is now expanding across the country. It helps experienced professionals who find themselves out of work to develop business ideas, whether it’s starting a new enterprise or exploring ways to use their skills to generate commercial opportunities.

“The initiative is a fully funded programme, which runs for 3 days a week for 12 weeks, giving participants 36 full days of face-to-face training, with 50 hours of one-to-one mentoring. The workshops offer a range of aspects including group learning, motivational work, input from experts and individualised career plans.

“The Kells programme is fully funded by the Meath County Enterprise Board. It is hoped the programme can be further developed on a national level through the roll-out of the new Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs), as part of the Action Plan for Jobs. Indeed, the Discovery Zone programme was specifically mentioned in the sectoral strategy for local authorities submitted to the Department of Jobs, and it was cited as an example as best practice in a recent report compiled by the Oireachtas Jobs Committee.

“I was hugely impressed by the range of business ideas being developed at the Kells Discovery Zone, and I have no doubt that many of them will be turned into successful enterprises. The nature of the economic downturn has meant that no sector has been insulated from job losses. Many innovative thinkers have found themselves out of a job over the last few years; I think it is vitally important that we support these potential entrepreneurs to retain their skills and get them back into the workforce.

“I understand that the Minister for Jobs, Richard Bruton TD, and the Minister for Environment and Local Government, Phil Hogan TD, have indicated their support for the Discovery Zone programme, and I hope the new LEOs can be used to help roll it out nationwide. The success rate to date is very impressive; Discovery Zones have been set up in Donegal, Louth, Meath and Monaghan and will soon be expanded to Leitrim and Monaghan.

“I look forward to meeting the Discovery Zone participants in Kells again at the end of their 12 week programme, when I have no doubt many of their great ideas will have moved much closer to fruition.”

ENDS