Finance, training for 'Cottage Markets'

The Grow It Yourself organisation is inviting community groups to set up their own ‘Cottage Markets’, with funding available from The Ireland Fund and Ulster Bank, writes Brian Byrne.

Some €65,000 is available in grants over the next two years for the initiative, which envisages the setting up of 20 such Cottage Markets during 2017.

The GIY target is to put home-made, home-grown food and craft back at the centre of Irish communities.

Three pilot Markets have been established in Headford, Galway, Drogheda and Ladysbridge in Cork and according to GIY they have been ‘hugely’ successful.

Community groups can apply online for funding to help set up their Market. Successful applicants will gain a tailor made training programme for the initiative, involving Social Enterprise, Marketing, Finance and Food experts.

The deadline for applications is 3 March. The groups behind the 20 new Markets will be selected by 10 March, with the training programme taking place on 25 March.

The concept of a Cottage Market differs from a Farmer’s Market in that it is all about bringing hobbyists and amateur producers from a local area together to showcase their often hidden skills and talents in areas such growing, sewing or baking.

Pictured at the launch of the initiative are founder of GIY Michael Kelly and the GIY community manager Karen O’Donohoe.