Clióna Murphy, a Cork-based GP, developed a cholesterol-lowering supplement called Cholesterol-Low, combining natural ingredients like oat beta glucan, coenzyme Q10, and inulin. The product, available in strawberry or lemon flavor, aims to reduce cardiovascular risk factors and is sold online and through pharmacies in Cork, Galway, and Mayo. The company, self-funded and led by Murphy, collaborates with Grafton Digital for marketing. Murphy's background includes work with Floating Doctors in Panama and a fellowship at the Mayo Clinic.

QPQ, an Irish fintech startup led by CEO Greg Chew, aims to democratize finance through its innovative settlement platform for goods, services, and payments. The company has filed patents for 'smart legal contracts' and leverages distributed ledger technology (DLT) to automate business functions, reduce costs, and eliminate inefficiencies. QPQ's revenue model is based on a token offering, with digital exchange quid (DXQ) tokens providing access to its ecosystem. The company is focused on perfecting its architecture before seeking funding to build and test the platform, with the goal of becoming operational within two years.

Oisín McGrath's Galenband, a wristband designed to monitor heart activity for up to 90 days, originated from his personal experience with heart rhythm abnormalities and a master's thesis at NUI Galway. The device aims to provide a more reliable method for detecting intermittent symptoms compared to traditional short-term monitors. The project has received significant recognition and funding, including a €500,000 grant from Enterprise Ireland, and has been acknowledged by institutions like MIT and the National Disability Authority. Clinical studies for the Galenband are expected to begin in about 18 months.

The Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, effective from July 2023 in Ireland, introduces new rights for workers, including unpaid leave, flexible working arrangements, and paid leave for domestic violence victims. The Act aligns with EU directives and aims to enhance work-life balance, particularly for parents and carers. Employers are advised to update their policies to comply with the new legislation, which also includes provisions for remote working, extended breastfeeding breaks, and maternity leave for transgender men. The Workplace Relations Commission will provide further guidance through a forthcoming Code of Practice.

Venture capital (VC) investment is a crucial source of funding for startups and small to medium companies with high growth potential. VC investors provide private funding in exchange for equity stakes, focusing on businesses ready to scale with a defined market and initial revenue growth. The article advises business owners on how to attract VC investment, covering the differences between VC and other finance types, potential sectors of interest for VC investors, and tips for increasing the chances of securing VC funding. It highlights the importance of a strong management team, a scalable business model, and a clear exit strategy for investors. The Irish Venture Capital and Private Equity Association reported that companies in Ireland raised €398m in Q2 2022, with life sciences, fintech, and software attracting the most investment.

Love The Mug, launched in 2018, has seen significant growth, initially selling online and later expanding to 70 retailers across Ireland. The brand, known for its statement mugs and collections like Life Is Better and Miles Apart, attributes much of its success to its social media following. Ms Hughes, who now runs the business full-time with her mother, plans to expand the product range to include a teapot.

The article discusses the state of women entrepreneurs in Ireland, highlighting the challenges they face, particularly in accessing venture capital funding. It mentions initiatives like Acorns and other state-backed programs that support female entrepreneurs. Enterprise Ireland's report shows that a small percentage of venture capital goes to women-founded companies, and an even smaller percentage of angel investors are women. Vanessa Tierney, co-founder of Abodoo, shares her experience and the company's success in raising funds and expanding services. The article also features the food business Nutshed, run by sisters Eliza and Evie Ward, emphasizing the community support among women entrepreneurs in Ireland. The article celebrates International Women's Day as an opportunity to recognize and bolster women in business, while also acknowledging the unique challenges they face, such as balancing entrepreneurship with family life.

Women entrepreneurs in Ireland are increasingly participating in business, supported by initiatives like Acorns and state-backed programs. Despite this, they face challenges in accessing venture capital, with less than 10% of such funding going to women-founded companies. Vanessa Tierney, co-founder of Abodoo, a smart working platform, has raised €1.1m with support from various sources, including a successful Crowdcube campaign. Food entrepreneurs Eliza and Evie Ward, with their all-female team at Nutshed, emphasize community and collaboration, having expanded their business with a new website and online shop. Both businesses reflect the growing presence and success of women in the Irish entrepreneurial landscape.

The article highlights the efforts of a family business, Galtee Honey Farm, in breeding and conserving the native Irish Black Honey Bee. Ms Nic Giolla Coda, who specializes in rearing black queen bees and producing raw honey, continues the legacy of her father, a co-founder of the Galtee Bee Breeding Group. The group, along with other Irish beekeeping organizations, established the Native Irish Honey Bee Society to protect native bee populations. Supported by the Local Enterprise Office, the farm sells products online and in local shops, and offers educational tours through the Tipperary Food Producers Network.

The article, written by Ruth Doris, features four entrepreneurial couples who share their experiences of running a business together while maintaining their personal relationships. Rachel and Brian Nolan of Nobó discuss their journey from working in advertising and finance to creating dairy and gluten-free ice cream and chocolate. Sonia and Padraic Deasy of Pestle & Mortar talk about their skincare company's growth and their clear division of roles. Eileen Ashe, alongside her husband Thomas, runs Annascaul Black Pudding, a business that has been in Thomas's family since 1916. Lastly, Jenny Synnott and Elaine Cohalan of the Dublin Cookie Company describe how they balance their business with their personal life, especially after having a child. The article also mentions Local Enterprise Week 2020, highlighting the involvement of Sonia and Eileen as ambassadors.