It's a tasty success for a pitch-perfect Waterford entrepreneur

Local Enterprise Office Waterford has announced that local business, Oh my Cookies, has won this year's LEO Pitch Perfect.

Owner Oriana Ramirez was announced as the winner by Gareth Evans, Head of Enterprise at Local Enterprise Office Waterford.

Oh My Cookies creates New York-style cookies, cookie bars, and cookie cakes in a fun and indulgent way. 

A spokesperson for LEO Waterford said that in the past year Oriana has grown her business from an interesting hobby to selling in cafes, online and at markets all over the south east. 

Apart from her baking skills and imagination, her real point of differentiation is her marketing and presentation skills.

While it's been a steep learning curve for Oriana, she said she loved the challenge: “Every day is a school day, that is why I entered Pitch Perfect. I knew taking part would help me grow my business in a more structured and professional way."

"I want to learn how to scale, reach more customers, and expand into more events, collaborations, and potentially work with larger businesses or retailers," she said.

“I’m just at the start of my business journey and never expected to succeed at the Pitch Perfect competition," she added.

She also praised the LEO for its support and said she how has a "real opportunity to grow the brand and the business".

Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Waterford, SETU Xcelerate Centre and Boxworks Co Working Space joined forces to deliver the start-up competition for those with an innovative business idea or those already in business and trading less than 18 months.

Participants, limited to those based in Waterford, were guided through the initial stages of developing their idea or business and successful applicants were selected for a Business Boot camp where they perfected their pitch before presenting to panel of judges.

The bootcamp was delivered by the Entrepreneurs Academy across two Saturdays in May and the winner received €1,000 in prize money.

Additionally, all participants were offered mentoring as part of our LEO Mentoring programme.

Mr Evans was impressed with the quality of entries, commenting: “The numbers and quality this year were the best I have seen to date. Oriana really epitomises the kind of start-up business we target with Pitch Perfect."

"Her originality and spontaneity were infectious," he said.

"We at the LEO wish to thank all the entrants, congratulate Oh my Cookies, and encourage anyone with a new business idea to contact us," he added.

He emphasised that Local Enterprise Office Waterford is here to help people start a business, expand an existing one or reach new markets. 

It provides advice, information and supports in starting up or growing your business as part of a network of 31 Local Enterprise Offices across Ireland.

For more information on Local Enterprise Office Waterford go to www.localenterprise.ie/Waterford or email info@leo.waterfordcouncil.ie