Irish-Estonian Business Network www.iebn.ee

Irish Estonian Business Network Mission Statement

The objective of the IEBN has been to establish a network of people who are interested in developing business cooperation in and between Estonia and Ireland, in particular business-to-business, education, tourism and culture. This year the IEBN planned and hosted a series of events, with the aim to build and expand friendship to all Irish and Estonian business and cultural communities. We focused on areas of interest to our 60 members, the network is a means to learn from and help each other. We wish to create value for our members by facilitating linkages between like minded individuals and provide access to business and trade chambers, business networks & state agencies. The IEBN is a non-profit voluntary organisation. Membership is free! IEBN is the first NGO in Estonia to create a network specifically focused on promoting trade and business relations between Estonia and Ireland.

St. Patrick’s Day Events in Estonia (2015)

Launch of IEBN 17th of March 2015 at The Inaugural St Patrick’s Day Ball. Irish music was performed and taught by Áine and Muireann Ní Dhroighneáin (Sean Nós singers) and Emily Cullen (Irish Harp player) from Galway, Ireland, who traveled over especially for the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. All Estonian Irish dance group ‘Solas’ performed a rendition of ‘River Dance’ and also taught the Irish Céilí dancing to participants. Musical entertainment on the events was provided by Jaak Johanson (guitar), Krista Joonas (flute) & Rainer Kährik (accordion). Among participants were also local Irish Wolfhounds from Estonian Irish Wolfhound and Scottish Deerhound Club.

IEBN Events 2015

Minister of State at the Department Affairs with Special Responsibility for ODA, Trade Promotion and North South co-operation; Mr. Seán Sherlock for the opening address at the first Enterprise Ireland/IEBN Trade Mission to Estonia.

This year IEBN fundraised €1500 Euro for Minu Unistuste Paev Chairty. It is with great thanks to our supporters at the St Patrick’s Day Ball. Also our sponsors, as without their donation of gifts, we could not have raffled tickets to raise this amount. Minu Unistuste Paev is an Estonian Charity Foundation which fulfills dreams of severely and chronically ill children in Estonia.

Launch of www.iebn.eeFacebook and Linkedin.Over 70 members in Estonia/Ireland and growing!Student Recruitment drive!

IEBN Events 2015/2016

2015 events: Promotion of Irish Design 2015. IEBN Interview in Delphi News Agency.IEBN Presentation Embassy of Estonia Dublin; Patrick Doherty. IEBN participation with HEAK Enterprise Board. Kevin McCann’s short film Prison Door at the PÖFF sub-festival. IEBN members each year donate free time and gifts to the International Women’s Club of Tallinn Christmas Bazaar, (last year raised 35k Euro). Enterprise Ireland/IEBN Networking event; 25th of November.

2016 Plans and Proposed Events: Jan: Cyber security themed Business Networking event; Tallinn. International Guest Speakers. ‘Dublin Start Up’ Networking Event in association with Enterprise Ireland. www.startupdublin.com TBCQuarterly IEBN Newsletter February: Telliskivi (Music, Dance festival & Food Festival) 13th/14th March: St Patrick’s Day Ball 19th of March Swissotel.1916 Commemoration; Letters from Kilmainham Jail Exhibition TBCApril: Comedy Estonia; featuring 2 Irish Comedians. May: Architect Networking Event; Presentations and Workshop, Tour of Rottermani TBC.

On going Fun Fundraising; family & cultural events planned

‘Volunteer building/refurbishment projects for Women’s & Children’s Shelters or Orphanages in Estonia’

IEBN Board is made up of Estonian and Irish Citizens, with an Irish Chapter based in Dublin.

It is free to become a member of IEBN, our events are free to attend. Come on board! Thank you for your time. Like us on FB, join in the discussion on Linkedin. www.iebn.ee