Motivation to launch
Aisling Gribbin, owner of Dog Trails NI, outlines why she started her business.
“Canicross is a relatively new sport which involves the dog owner actively taking part in cross country and park running with their dog attached to them via a harness and bungee line.
I was introduced to the sport while living in Scotland and thought about setting up a new business when I came home. Canicross is a great way of getting active with my dog, meeting new people and competing in events.”
Leading and Training
Aisling qualified as a Canicross leader, enabling her to safely instruct people on Canicross, how to run with your dog and the correct kit required, before approaching the Go For It programme.
“I found the Go For It Programme was a huge support and my Business Advisor from Workspace Enterprises helped me through each stage of the process. I knew what I wanted to do, and he helped me to shape that into a viable business.:
“Dog Trails NI offers training classes and also retails the Canicross kit including the harness, runner belt and bungee line,” explains Aisling.
“Anyone can take part for fitness and fun or for those who want to take the sport to higher levels, they can compete on an international basis at various competitions. My classes are very busy at the moment and I’m excited to further develop the potential of my business.”
Mid Ulster District Council Support
Chair of Mid Ulster District Council, Councillor Kim Ashton met with Aisling and her dog Jeff to congratulate her on her new venture.
“The Council is delighted to see Aisling reaping the benefits of the Go For It Programme and Mid Ulster delivering its 100th Plan. Mid Ulster has a strong entrepreneurial culture, one of the highest in Northern Ireland, and it’s one of our Council’s strategic priorities to help maximise opportunities to create and grow district-wide businesses and investment.”
The Go For It programme is part-funded by Invest Northern Ireland, the 11 Councils and the European Regional Development Fund under the Investment for Growth & Jobs Northern Ireland (2014-2020) Programme.
If you have a business idea you’d like to develop or if you are thinking about starting a business, visit www.goforitni.com; call 0333 255 8158; or visit your local enterprise agency for a free, independent chat. To learn more about Dog Trails NI, visit www.dogtrailsni.com.