A LIMERICK entrepreneur has taken one of five top prizes in a national grant competition.
Marion Cantillon of PitSeal won the top prize in the Innovation and Technology category of the Visa She’s Next grant programme.
Marion’s product, PitSeal, aims to make farms safer by covering silage pits.
The business is aimed at addressing the pressing issue of plastic waste and safety hazards associated with traditional silage pit covers.
The She’s Next grant programme aims to support female entrepreneurs by providing grants and business coaching to help them reach their potential.
This year’s competition saw a massive increase in entries, with double the amount of women entering their businesses this year than in 2022.
Five women were selected as national winners, including Limerick’s Marion Cantillon.
Also chosen was Mamobo Ogoro of GORM Media, who is a PhD fellow at the University of Limerick.
Rachel Hennessy of Happy Days was the winner in the General Small Business category. Suraya Rahman, with her business Little Eden Terrariums won the Micro Business category, while fellow Mid West woman Alison McGrath, of My First Steps based in Clare, was the winner in the Early Stage Business category.
Mandy Lamb, Managing Director of Visa UK and Ireland, said: “We are truly inspired by the incredible talent and dedication shown by the applicants in what is our third She’s Next programme in Ireland.”
“The doubling of entries reflects the growing momentum of women entrepreneurs in Ireland and their invaluable contributions to the economy.
“The quality of entries coming through again this year has been phenomenal. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to each of the winners and remain committed to supporting them on their journey to success,” she concluded.
