Sharon Tracey-Collins, Business Innovation Officer at Omagh Enterprise Company, is at the forefront of the Innovate Programme, a new initiative designed to help local businesses transform their creative ideas into profitable, cost efficient business opportunities.
The programme is part-financed with ¤856,391 by the European Union, through the Interreg IIIA Programme, managed for the Special EU Programmes Body by the ICBAN Partnership.
Sharon has a strong background in business and technology so she is well suited to helping SMEs achieve their potential through the programme.
She has been with Omagh Enterprise Company for the past eight years working in various roles to manage and deliver Information and Communications Technology as well as Innovation initiatives and other business support to SMEs. Sharon also worked for Omagh College as a part-time lecturer for three years.
She has been heavily involved in programmes such as Creative Ambitions to bring creative and business sectors together, as well as Wider Horizons and Canadian Call Centre Programmes in Montreal, and she also managed training and placement for the Virtual Software Development Company initiative. This programme provided people in the Omagh area with training and work-based software development skills, which facilitated ICT business start-ups.
Sharon holds a BA (Hons) in Business Studies from the University of Ulster and has training in various Business Advisor functions and IT and is a member of the Institute of Business Advisors. She plays netball for Omagh and enjoys walking and trekking in different parts of the world.
Sharon's role as Innovation Officer is to provide business advice and support for SME's participating in the Innovate Programme, a joint initiative between Omagh Enterprise Company and Leitrim County Enterprise Board.
Innovate aims to help businesses become more efficient through using new work practices and technologies. This may include the introduction of new processes or technology or the provision of specialised mentoring and/or training. It also shows how new technology products and the latest practices in marketing and e-business can help develop the business.
Sharon visits participating companies to go through the business areas that the company feels can be improved and developed. She works with them to identify areas of the business that may benefit from the programme and organises group workshops and one-to-one mentoring for companies from a strong panel of mentors.
Sharon has great energy and enthusiasm for Innovate.
"This programme is excellent for stimulating the use of information technology and innovation among our SMEs. I really enjoy working with the companies to drive their growth and development. It's a great opportunity for businesses and a great way to share experiences and make contacts. The programme also facilitates links to Universities and to other cross- border businesses through seminars, workshops and training programmes encouraging networking and knowledge transfer."
The Innovation Programme is open to business owners in Omagh District Council who are striving to innovate, grow and succeed. If you are looking to become more efficient and grow your business to tackle changing market demands, give Sharon a call today on 02882 249494.
