Funding Master helps organisations who should be more involved in EU funding and are interested in being involved in a series of EU projects over time. More information on www.fundingmaster.eu. Our model: bring together serious clients (public bodies, municipalities, business and Third Sector networks or representative bodies), create new projects and bring project ideas that meet client strategic objectives, write and submit funding applications.

Consultant, leader, entrepreneur, trainer, mentor and occasional academic and author. I work with individual entrepreneurs, social entrepreneurs, Start-ups, SME and nonprofit organisations. I help solve problems through consultancy, funding applications, training, corporate governance, budgeting and business/strategic planning interventions. I have delivered a range of consultancy projects and delivered training for ‘Start Your Own Business’ and 'Write your own business plan' programmes which helps participants write their business plans for themselves. More information on www.germaine.eu.com. Highlights include:• Interim CEO, Irish Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (Oct 2016-May 2017)• Project Manager, establishment of EU Lab (EU Funding Unit for Dublin City Council, May 2016-Nov 2016).• Business Engagement & Financial Planning, Dublin2020 – European Capital of Culture Bid (2015).• Chairperson, Entrepreneurial Perspectives Ltd. Team of independent consultants working together to create economics of scale (2013-2015).• International Expert, 2 projects in Czech Republic (2009-2012)• Founding Board Member, Irish- United States Alumni Association (2012-2014).

President IMCA in 2010.Originally Secretary of the Institute of Business Advisers (Irish Branch), I was one of the negotiators in the merger with the IMCI to form the Institute of Management Consultants and Advisers (IMCA) in 2016. An initial Board member of the new Institute I went on to serve on the Board until 2013. I am a Fellow of the Institute.

In 2000, I took over the newly-built enterprise centre in Mulhuddart. Initially, I had 3 core staff and one building of 16 units which was only two-thirds full. I immediately set about filling the centre and then established BASE as an enterprise-support organisation by developing a range of services and programmes for nascent and early-stage entrepreneurs. Key achievement was project management of €4 million infrastructure development, a Public-Private Partnership with Fingal County Council and developer. Project delivered on time and on budget. BASE now 3,000 square metres from original 750 square metres. I continued to maintain the centre at a high-occupancy level until leaving to follow entrepreneurial opportunities in 2010.Key Responsibilities:• Managed staff of up to 18 people• Secured funding from agencies such as Pobal, FAS and Enterprise Ireland• Engaged in EU-funded programmes working with ethnic-minority entrepreneurs and social entrepreneurs• Managed a centre of up to 40 start-up and early-stage businesses• Represented organisation with key stakeholders• Co-managed 2 Greater Blanchardstown Trade & Recruitment Fairs (1999, 2001)

EMERGE was a pilot programme for ethnic-minority entrepreneurs in Ireland run between 2002 and 2006. Ran a series of pilot training programmes for start-ups in Dublin, Cork and Galway. Also ran weekend masterclass for existing ethnic-minority entrepreneurs. Funded under the EU EQUAL Programme. The project was mainstreamed into the City and Councty Enterprise Boards on completion. Part iof a wider nEU Entreprneurs with partners in Ireland, France, Netherlands and Czech Republic.

Volunteer member, instructor and leader. Unit Officer in Fairview Unit, Founding Unit Officer Donaghmede Unit, Staff Officer and then Deputy Area Director in South Dublin region. Duty commander, post commander and senior ambulance orderly on large-scale events.

After 7 years of self-employment the opportunity arose to take on this new role. The Partnership had only been up and running for over a year and I took on the role of developing an enterprise-support programme for Dublin 15. This involved developing a strategic plan, developing a series of support programmes including training, book-keeping services and mentoring. I also administered the Back to Work (Enterprise) Programme for the Department of Social Protection in Dublin 15. According to client records I saw over 1,000 people seeking information on starting their own business during my time at the Partnership.

In 1990 I set about setting up my first formal business. I was already a first-aid instructor and developed this into a business providing first-aid equipment and first-aid training. I also completed the Certificate in Occupational Health and Safety at Work in UCD (1995) and provided safety audits and statements. Clients included businesses, leisure centres, sports centres, voluntary organisations and sports clubs. I also delivered occupational first-aid courses for the Red Cross.