How will this project help the community?
Profit, we hope, will come from good selling of our story with our product. We hope the micro business will be sustainable, enjoyable, and busy. Through working with friends, we’ll make new connections. To be productive and have a worthwhile stimulating occupation, and integrate more into the community making new connections in our town making it a more inclusive town for people with a disability.
What is the business idea?
Our microbusiness will be an example to others with disabilities in the community, of Conor’ s valued role having his own business and creating a valuable, worthwhile product. As he gains confidence and experinece, he would like to employ others with a disability. By providing diversity and inclusion awareness, the community will benefit from richer social connections and changing perspectives. We’ll show how Conor’s good life can be achieved through budiness ownership, on an equal footing with other entrepreneurs.
What personal goals led the group here?
Our group has strong experience relevant to the business. Conor has worked closely with professional photographers for years, and has developed excellent people skills through his work in the hotel industry.
Audrey previously worked in HSE administration, and now runs a media production charity supporting people with intellectual disabilities, giving her strong networking and organizational skills.
Michael is an accountant who has worked with business start-ups for Enterprise Ireland, and has served as a county councillor, bringing valuable business knowledge and networking ability.
We own cameras, tripods, premises, and wooden coasters to begin production. Based in Drogheda town centre, near Dublin, we can access local markets and shops while operating from our garage. The team can commit around 20 hours per week. Additional support will come from Conor’s PA, and relatives experienced in honey production, who can help with marketing and distribution.
How will this business make a profit?
Our business idea is to produce and sell drink coaster with Conor’s photographs on one side, for tourists and visitors to our town. They will have a small souveneir to take home and remember their trip when they chill out with a cup of tea or coffee.
And I will say, “Thank you. Come again soon.”
What do we have to make this business successful?
C O’D: To be independent; To work towards a job and money; To have a good social life; To have my own apartment
A O’D: To be productive having a little business;
To learn artistic skills and share them with others; To make more connections within my community;
To earn an income
