Last summer saw the introduction of RTE One’s rural entrepreneurial series Higher Ground. The innovative series selected eight aspiring rural entrepreneurs from across Ireland and helped elevate their business ideas into lucrative realities.

From all walks of life each of the promising opportunists began with a single idea, an idea which would encompass the resources and possibilities that lay around them.

The dream of setting up your own business during recessionary times may seem somewhat out of the ordinary and very daunting, but mentors Peter Young and Paul McCarthy ensured each entrepreneur that a recession is no excuse for putting their business future on hold. Too much time can be spent convincing yourself why you shouldn’t take the risk, it’s time to put your plan into action and embark on what could possibly be the most rewarding journey of your life. The best time to act is the present and when an opportunity presents itself you need to hit the ground running, Peter and Paul were the necessary nudge over the starting line.

Four years ago Peter and Paul began the JFC National Innovation Awards in order to award and highlight individuals who have taken the brave step into setting up and developing their own business. After witnessing the entrants’ progress they became interested in following the individual stories in more detail, focusing their curiosity and energies towards ensuring the entrepreneurs started on the right track. Higher Ground was the obvious solution, a television series which would adequately serve as a flare for those looking for rescue and the countless more who are still lost in the dark. Peter and Paul’s consistent encouragement made taking a chance a possible option, turning advice into action and action into success.

The selection process was tough, after all, every young business deserves the opportunity to develop and explore their full potential. Each carefully chosen candidate had the drive and dedication to succeed, all they were missing was a little guidance in the right direction.

One of the programmes success stories was Brian Phelan who had ambitions to become one of the biggest producers of duck eggs in Ireland.
But why duck eggs? Brian explained - ''I always remember having duck eggs when we visited my Granny's farm in Glenfin, Co Donegal.”
One day he had a longing for a duck egg, but just could not find any to buy. So Brian bought 20 ducks from a farmer in Offaly and raised them to lay. When they began laying, he sold the eggs in farmers' markets, butchers and fruit and veg shops. The feed-back was so encouraging it convinced him to take the next step. It was obvious that he had good business skills, real passion and was willing to take a risk to get a new business off the ground. Before Brian was taken under the tutelage of Peter and Paul he had advanced from 20 ducks to a comfortable 650, now Brian has over 2,500 ducks laying and is confidently looking to rise to the next level.

The lack of motivation and insecurities that can affect many wannabe business success stories was carefully but accurately acknowledged by Peter and Paul. It’s a scary world out there, especially when you’re placing your livelihood and in many cases your life savings on the line. Brian’s Phelan’s story is proof that in this day and age if you take a gamble it will pay off

Peter and Paul’s careful instruction through all areas of development was invaluable, as they walked through the prevalent marketing and branding, legal, distribution, and financial issues which would inevitably arise during the infant stages of any fledgling business.
Each entrepreneur was given their own bespoke business plan, a crucial element in ensuring no ideas, accounts, profit or possible loss went unnoticed, allowing them to confidently foresee their business in the years ahead, without the aid of a mentor or helpful hand pointing towards safety.

“It was challenging and rewarding to work with the eight participants who were passionate and committed to making their business work. These people show that it comes down to the person driving the business to ensure success” – Peter Young

Each week we watched as one of the varied projects advanced beyond the tool shed or kitchen counter where it began, tentatively braced to present itself to a national market place…that of the Irish Consumer. Original ideas were polished, perfected and packaged before honing in on potential customers and retailers.

Their successes were astounding!
As a result from Peter and Paul’s crucial intervention, the respective endeavours flourished, opening themselves to a world which lay far beyond the garden path.

Higher Ground is returning to give a new batch of intrepid entrepreneurs the opportunity to turn their ideas into a productive, viable business.
If you wish to be considered as a candidate for the next series of Higher Ground, please provide details of why you should be chosen in a paragraph of no more than 100 words to higherground@goodcompany.ie