‘Three of the best’ for the impressed entrepreneur
The star of the RTE 1’s massively sucessful TV series, The Dragon’s Den, Sarah Newman, visited the Institute of Technology, Sligo on Friday last. Ms. Newman was a guest of the Business Innovation Centre housed on the Institute’s campus. The visit enabled her to see at first hand early stage businesses in development and understand in greater detail the role of IT, Sligo in ecouraging and incubating innovatve business ideas in the region.
Three presentations were made by developing businesses from the facility – Good4U, Travel Logic and QA Assistant, after which she commented: “They were three of the best presentations I have ever seen. I was really taken aback. I’d have liked to spend a lot more time with each and to have seen their business plans and finances. I had a million and one questions to ask them. They were exceptionally good”.
Ms Newman swiftly moved across to the main campus to a packed lecture theatre, enthralling an audience of students and lecturers with her memories of setting up her own successful business. Her amusing anecdotes and practical advice for the next generation of entrepreneurs were well received.
Standing L – R: – Conor Daly (Travel Logic), Sarah Fay (ITSBIC), Bernie Butler (Good4U), Laura Butler (Good4U), Joshua Loiselle ( QA Assistant), Janette Gillen (Manager ITSBIC), Niall McEvoy (Technology Transfer Manager, IT, Sligo). Seated L-R: – Prof. Terri Scott, President IT, Sligo and Sarah Newman from RTE’s The Dragon’s Den.
Before leaving Ms Newman added: “The visit here today was very inspiring, incredible students, great lecturers and a great president in Terri Scott, I was truly very inspired”. When asked if she would be returning , she replied, “I would love to return to IT Sligo if so invited”.
In response, Professor Terri Scott, President of IT Sligo said, “We are absolutely indebted to Sarah for her time. She has been a great inspiration to the students and is an exceptional role model. We look forward to her returning.”