Rain + Conker prevailed.
The 2nd annual New Frontiers Programme business competition concluded last week with Dundalk based Rain + Conker taking the €12,000 Prize.
Founded by Amanda Kierans less than two years ago the company has grown rapidly and now supplies its range of children's clothing direct to consumers, retailers and wholesalers internationally.
Rain + Conker fought off tough competition from almost 50 other start-ups from all over the North East region, all participants on the New Frontiers Programme delivered by Dundalk Institute of Technology and Dublin City University and funded by Enterprise Ireland.
Speaking after the winner was announced, Amanda commented "I really didn't expect to win. All of the other finalists have great businesses with great potential. I'm absolutely delighted and the prize will make a big difference to my business over the coming months and will allow me to take on additional staff".
Judges on the evening included Dennis Nordon Managing Director and Co-Founder of Hanley Energy, Ken Rooney AIB (Sponsor), Michael Farrell PKF-FPM (Sponsor) and Aidan Browne DkIT-RDC (Sponsor). Bridgewater Management also sponsored the event.
The finalists in the competition also included Drogheda based Viska Systems, Innovo Systems from Cavan, Kookee from Dundalk and Irish Micro Greens from Navan. Each promoter pitched their business to the judging panel in front of a capacity crowd, before undergoing a session of robust questioning from the judges on all aspects of their business model and plans. While this was a daunting task everyone felt exhilarated when the pitch was complete.
The organisers and sponsors would like to congratulate all participants on their business journey to date and to wish them the very best in the future. For further information on the competition or the New Frontiers Programme please contact garrett.duffy@dkit.ie.
