Assistance

Castle Yard, Kilkenny

T: (056) 61804
F: (056) 63754
E: info@ccoi.ie
W: www.ccoi.ie
Contact: Emer Ferran, Business Development Manager

Categories: Business Plans; Information; Marketing; Mentoring; Publications; Training

The Crafts Council of Ireland is the national design and economic development agency for the craft industry in the Republic of Ireland, funded by Enterprise Ireland and the EU.

The Business Development office works to provide business training and mentoring for individual craftspeople. Speciifcally, CCOI offers a business advisory service for craftspeople setting up their own business and for those already established, including grant applications and liaising with grant-aiding agencies, market research, business plans, company structure, finance and packaging. A similar service is available to people planning to set up craft-shops.

CCOI’s other services include:

• Showcase Ireland, a national trade fair
• Website, including a register of Craft Enterprises
• Information services to wholesale and retail buyers on the availability of craft products, plus up-to-date, computerised information on retail outlets, courses, craftspeople and their craft products, development agencies, grant-aid bodies etc
• Training and help for design enterprise through short courses, offered via local City/County Enterprise Boards and LEADER+ groups, to enhance product and marketing development in craft businesses
• Training programmes in jewellery production and design skills, pottery skills, blacksmithing and forging and craft & design business development.