Liz Christy, a renowned Irish handweaver based at Swallow Studios in Annayalla, Castleblayney, reflects on how grant support and mentoring have helped her business expand and thrive in recent years. With over two decades of experience in handweaving luxurious scarves inspired by the Irish landscape, Liz sought out new opportunities for growth and sustainability by participating in key business development programmes.
In 2018, Liz applied for a Business Expansion Grant which played a crucial role in her business development plan, particularly in expanding cross-border sales and recovering from the challenges of the previous decade. To prepare for the Business Expansion Grant application, Liz leveraged mentoring support from the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Monaghan, where she received guidance from Michael McElroy of SalesPlus. Their expertise helped her create a comprehensive business plan, ultimately leading to a successful grant application that allowed her to implement structured growth strategies.
Reflecting on the value of mentoring, Liz notes, "The mentoring support from LEO and working with Michael McElroy at SalesPlus was pivotal in guiding me through the grant application process. The insights I gained helped shape my business plan and prepared me for the next steps in growing my business". Liz credits the success of her business to the combination of financial support, expert mentoring, and a proactive approach to business development. She encourages other business owners and entrepreneurs to take advantage of the resources available through Monaghan LEO. "I highly recommend engaging with Monaghan LEO for support, grants and working with professionals like Michael, Eamon, and the SalesPlus team. As business owners, it's vital to recognise the value of expert advice and utilise it to strengthen and grow."
Michael McElroy, SalesPlus adds, "Through strategic planning, mentorship, and a determination to innovate, Liz Christy’s handwoven luxury scarves continue to bring a piece of the Irish countryside to customers near and far, proving that with the right support, resilience and vision, small businesses can thrive in the face of adversity".
For more information about Liz Christy and to explore her latest collections go t to www.lizchristy.com.