WATCH: Forbes Under 30 Forum showcases Limerick entrepreneurs and start-up companies

THE Forbes 30 Under 30 live event came to Limerick this Monday to showcase local entrepreneurs and start-up companies.

Throughout the day, a number of local and international business leaders shared their stories about creating businesses that have been recognised by the prestigious magazine.

This visit comes on the back of a slanderous article that was self-published by a contributor about the Collison brothers where Limerick was referred as “stab city” with Chief Content Officer, Randall Lane, stating: “That story did not meet our standards. What really matters is action.”

On the back of the criticism of the article, in which John and Patrick Collison also aired their grievances, Forbes decided to hold a forum in Limerick, its first ever Irish event.

In his opening address at the Limerick Strand Hotel, Mr Lane added: “You don’t need a million dollars, you just need an idea, just look at the Collison brothers” before being joined by Professor Stephen Kinsella and CEO of Trakworx, Chris Kelly.

“The future exists, we just have to have the will to create it,” Stephen Kinsella said when speaking about Limerick as a destination for entrepreneurs and start-up companies.

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“We have the Collison brothers. We have two of the true greats of the world. I know they're happy we're here in Limerick today and we're looking for the next Collisons, and that's what today's about.

“We brought people from across Ireland, across Europe to inspire and to learn. I'm here to spend the day listening, learning, and then, you know, we have a giant global audience that we'll share with and let the world know what's going on here in the Midwest,” Mr Lane told the Limerick Leader/Limerick Live.

The day-long event saw a number of speakers share their own experiences with businesses and investment while the audience had guests from Ireland, America and beyond shining a light on the Midwest region.

“We have over 10,000 people in this community. And what they're doing really is  creating a community about change. And to actually be able to listen, to be able to inspire, be able to plug in Irish entrepreneurs in the global ecosystem, it's very exciting,” he added.

Dan Hobbs, Chris Kelly and Gráinne Mullins all shared their growth and learnings with the crowd in the Strand Hotel Shannon Suite, with the Forbes Chief explaining how such people get recognised by this global brand.

“We've got people around the world who are looking and you know, the cream does rise. You begin to hear, you listen. You have people who shine,” he concluded.

Mayor of the City and County of Limerick, Cllr Francis Foley was delighted to welcome senior Forbes staff explaining: “Forbes have made good on their commitment to come to Limerick and in collaboration with Limerick City and County Council they have delivered an exceptionally positive event”.