Limerick family-run business win a 'money can’t buy' prize from Google Ireland

A LIMERICK company has been named one of 24 winning SMEs from across Ireland as part of Google’s You’re the Business Competition.

Plant-based beverages SiSú from Limerick was among 23 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from across Ireland, to be awarded a money can’t buy prize as part of the You’re the Business campaign.

SiSú will receive a digital support package from Google which includes a one-year Google Workspace Business subscription with access to AI-powered tools and one-to-one consultation from Google experts on how to get the best out of the workspace.

Aisling McGann, of SiSú, said: “I am delighted to have been selected as one of this year's winners of Google's You're the Business competition.

“I believe there is so much potential for SiSú digitally and I am really looking forward to enhancing my digital skills as part of this Google programme and as such growing SiSú further!”

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Born and crafted by Brian and Fiona McGann, the couple founded the brand with the aim of strengthening their youngest daughter’s immune system as she had health complications.

The online-based store is now run by the family in Limerick and offers soy milks, wellness shots, cold-pressed juices and organic kombucha.

The overall winner of the Google You’re the Business competition was Lahinch Surf Shop.

Situated on the beachside prom in Lahinch, Co Clare, the family-founded business was selected for its innovative use of digital tools to grow and evolve its operations.

As the top winner, they will receive the unique prize of a custom AI-powered advertising prize.

All other SME’s, including SiSú, will also receive a trophy and digital assets and are invited to attend a dedicated Winners event in Google’s EMEA HQ in Dublin.

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Cera Ward, managing director, large customer solutions at Google Ireland said: “SMEs comprise 90% of all enterprises in Ireland.

“Businesses like Lahinch Surf Shop and all those we are celebrating today are an integral part of the economy generating employment and providing services across the country.

“Through You’re the Business, we want to help founders leverage a range of digital tools, including AI, to help them reach their growth potential.”

Delivered by Google, in partnership with Enterprise Ireland and the Local Enterprise Office, You’re the Business is an online platform offering free digital training and tools.

Now in its third year, the initiative has taken on a new AI-focus with the online platform offering new training modules where users can explore AI tools and learn how AI can help them prepare for the future.

Competition entrants were asked to submit a written entry telling their story around how they’ve utilised or enhanced digital skills in order to help their business grow or succeed online.