Traveller Beoirs mean business! - Galway Traveller Women Entrepreneurs launch a toolkit

Bridget Kelly, Joanna Corcoran and Anne Marie McDonagh at the launch of the Enterprising Traveller Women' toolkit by GTM's ETWE project. Photo by Derek Speirs

In Galway, there is a drive underway at local level to support enterprising Traveller women.

Recently businesswoman Liz Cassidy, an EU ‘Ambassador for Female Entrepreneurs’, was the guest speaker when the ‘Empowering Traveller Women Entrepreneurs’ programme was launched by the Galway Traveller Movement (GTM).

Liz talked with Traveller women about how to overcome barriers they encounter in trying to set up or run businesses.

Bridget Kelly, a Traveller woman with business experience who works with GTM said, “We’re interested in working with Traveller women who are interested in becoming self-employed or getting involved in business. Some women may already be involved in their own business or a family business, but no experience is necessary.”

Tanya Lalor of GTM said training and mentoring on the programme is ongoing: “There are a range of ideas from women interested in setting up their own businesses including, alterations, flower arranging, dress making and importing different products. One woman is even interested in establishing a music career.”

Christina Ward showing off her work at the launch. Photo by Derek Speirs.

The programme allows the women entrepreneurs to have a say in how their training is delivered.

“We provide co-facilitation training where the women meet the trainer in advance. This brings in the experience of the Traveller women relative to the training,” added Tanya.

GTM and those involved in the entrepreneurs’ programme have also launched a new toolkit entitled ‘Enterprising Traveller Women - A Toolkit for Enterprise Support’ targeted at enterprise support organisations serious about working with Traveller women.

“It identifies barriers and provides a step-by-step guide for organisations. It is hoped it will engage and influence wider practice,” said Tanya.

The Galway Traveller Movement is funded through the Local and Community Development Programme.

The Traveller Women Entrepreneurs programme was funded under the Equality for Women Measure and is supported by the European Social Fund.

For more information or to request a copy of the enterprise support booklet, call Tanya Lalor in GTM on 091-765-390 or email tanya@gtmtrav.ie