Three local business people take part in entrepreneurial event

THREE business people with Limerick connections were selected for a prestigious programme by business planning group Axis Bic.

Doctor-turned businesswoman Rachel Power, translation firm boss Alex Chernenko and consultant Orla Connaughton were three of only 23 entrepreneurs nationwide to take part in Axis Bic’s’ Entrepreneurial Experience weekend.

Dr Power, who is based at University Hospital Limerick, is developing a skincare and wellness brand for babies and children, with an emphasis on products for sensitive skin.

Codenamed ‘Calm and Free’, the product came about after Dr Power, who specialises in children’s care, identified the difficulties parents can face in finding every day skincare products they feel confident using.

Mr Chernenko, meanwhile, is a Ukrainian-born entrepreneur, who is now based in Limerick.

Arriving in Limerick in 2003, his newest firm Vedi Intelligence, based at Upper Mallow Street in the city, turns companies data into a single structured profile. He founded translation firm Translit prior to this.

Ms Connaughton holds a master’s degree in project management from University of Limerick.

She founded Aztec Medical, a consultancy helping medical device businesses bring products to market.

For the competition, which took place in Ballymaloe, more than 80 businesses applied.

The 23 successful business people were paired with experienced entrepreneurs including food magnate Peaches Kemp.

During this time, they spent 36 hours networking, exploring business strategy.

The theme of the weekend in Cork was Trust and Connection.

Axis Bic is a not-for-profit business and innovation organisation established in 1989.

It works with entrepreneurs developing innovative businesses with the potential to grow, attract investment and expand into international markets.