Sukhvinder Kaur, CWP Wicklow Nominee, Award winner at National ILDN Awards
Nominated and supported by County Wicklow Partnership Sukhvinder Kaur, an inspiring entrepreneur from Wicklow, with her business ‘Sukhi India’, proudly represented Wicklow and the Leinster Region at the 2019 Irish Local Development Network (ILDN) National Back to Work Enterprise Allowance (BTWEA) Awards in the Tullamore Court Hotel last night, the 16th of May. Sukhvinder was amongst 17 shortlisted finalists represented at the awards ceremony from around the Country; and she was chosen as first runner up sweeping up a coveted award and financial prize!!
The national event is organised by the ILDN in order to recognise the successes of newly established businesses across the country which have been set up with the support of the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance scheme provided by DEASP.
Sukhvinder is a mother of two teenagers. She holds an Honours Degree and career background in Criminology and Criminal Justice. In June 2017 with encouragement from family and friends and with support from the Department of Employment Affairs & Social Protection BTWEA scheme, County Wicklow Partnership and Wicklow LEO she set up her own business ‘Sukhis India’.
Liz Dunne, SICAP Development Officer with County Wicklow Partnership, supported Sukhvinder in the early stages of her business start-up through supports provided by the Social Inclusion Community Activation Programme (SICAP). Sukhvinder was supported by Liz in her application for the BTWEA scheme provided by the DEASP. The Back to Work Enterprise Allowance scheme (BTWEA) is designed to encourage the long-term unemployed to take up self-employment opportunities by allowing them to retain a reducing portion of their social welfare payment, plus secondary benefits in certain circumstances, over two years.
Liz has mentored Sukvinder and assisted her with her business planning, provided her with a Start Your Own Business Course and Bookkeeping and Taxation course to give her the knowledge and skills to start her own business, and provides ongoing support and advice.
Sukhvinder’s company, ‘Sukhi India’, freshly grinds, packs, distributes and sells whole spices, spice mix and flour mix using recipes which have been in Sukhvinder’s family for generations. The products can be purchased in Supervalu outlets across Wicklow, Avoca in Ballsbridge, The Fishman shop Wicklow town, Organic Farm Wicklow town, Natures Gold Greystones and Des Doyle’s Butchers Greystones. The packaging is completely bio degradable and recyclable. The company has also diversified by providing Healthy Eating Cooking classes to individuals, groups and schools introducing healthy Indian cooking with simple, healthy and nutritious recipes utilising Sukhis India products.
The Board and Staff of County Wicklow Partnership would like to congratulate Sukhvinder on her award and wish her every success in her future business endeavours.
To find out more about the BTWEA scheme or supports provided by the SICAP programme in County Wicklow Partnership contact the SICAP team on 0402 20955.
