Gnó Means Business

What is ‘Gnó Means Business’?

Welcome to the new section of ‘Gnó Means Business’ which focuses on the function and use of the Irish language in a business capacity. The aim of this section is to provide a central source of information to other related parties who wish to use the Irish language as a practical and productive business tool.

Foras na Gaeilge is committed to supporting the Business Community in exploring and developing the practical business application of the Irish language and to this end match-funding up to the maximum value of €3,000 is provided through our Business Support Scheme.

Are there other opportunities for my business?

Over the last few years, Foras na Gaeilge has developed a strong relationship with strategic partnerships from the business sector and we are delighted to have been the main sponsor of annual Top-50 business awards, The Irish Language Television Advertisement Awards in association with TG4, All-Ireland Marketing Awards in association with the Marketing Institute of Ireland, C-Store Awards in association with ShelfLife.

Q-Mharc Accreditation for Businesses using Irish

Foras na Gaeilge has developed a new accreditation for businesses that are functioning bilingually that will be implemented from 2016 onwards. This accreditation, Q-Mharc Gnó le Gaeilge, registered in the United Kingdom and in the Republic of Ireland through the Patents Office will give businesses that are utilising a bilingual structure the opportunity to achieve recognition. For more information visit www.qmharc.ie.

Supporting Resources for the Business Sector

Foras na Gaeilge provides a wide range of general supporting resources in relation to increasing the visibility of the Irish language in the business environment that are available individually or in the form of a business package. A list of available resources that can be ordered can be found here. You can order these free resources through our online form or by contacting us directly. A wide range of ebooks can be downloaded that particularly focus on incorporating the Irish language in the business context.

Strategic Collaborations

Foras na Gaeilge has formed strategic partnerships in order to provide additional support to partners through the sponsoring/funding of events/ activities in the private business sector in particular.

Some of these projects include:

All-Ireland Marketing Awards

Foras na Gaeilge is the main Irish language partner, as well as with The Marketing Institute of Ireland, of this all-island event which recognises best practice in the marketing sector. The category ‘Gradam Margaíochta le Gaeilge / Marketing through Irish’ is included as part of this event which is sponsored by Foras na Gaeilge.

Click here for more information about the award and here for the 2021 shortlist and winner.

Tayto Park

In 2016, Foras na Gaeilge implemented a bilingual project in conjunction with Tayto Park.

This project included:

The printing and distribution of a bilingual school tours brochure to every primary school in the country
The inclusion of Irish language school tours in Tayto Park
The implementation of bilingual signage for the Cú Chulainn Coaster (the largest wooden rollercoaster in Europe)

This project aligned perfectly with the “Gnó Means Business” campaign; the normalisation and promotion of the Irish language in the business sector as well as a result of this lucrative collaboration between Foras na Gaeilge and Tayto Park.

CStore Awards

Foras na Gaeilge was the main Irish language partner of the C-Store Awards competition, organised by the specialist magazine for retail outlets ShelfLife in 2015. In the Irish Language Excellent Practice in the Retail Environment category the shop which most used Irish within a retail marketing shop was recognised.

Click here to view the 2015 winner.

Other Supports for the Private Business Sector

The provision of expert advice and funding support, where appropriate for the private business sector in relation to activities and developments that will enhance and encourage the normalisation of the Irish language within the sector.

Follow Gnó Means Business on Social Media

Twitter: @gnoasgaeilge

Instagram: @gnomeansbusiness

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/gnomeansbusiness/

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbvJrihkIb8OhqImsoFvNbw