Embassy of Estonia Presentation

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, with all of the Irish and Estonian business and cultural communities. We focused on areas of interest to members who have intentions of starting a business or already have their own business. 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! The 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 of Foreign 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.

IEBN Events 2015/2016

2105 Events: Promotion of Irish Design 2015. IEBN Presentation at The Embassy of Estonia; Ireland. IEBN interview Dephi News Agency. IEBN participation at HEAK.ee Harjumaa Enterprise Board. IEBN members will donate free time and gifts to the International Women’s Club of Tallinn Christmas Bazaar in aid of SOS Estonia. (Last year raised 35k Euro). 2016 Plans and Proposed Events: New Year: ‘Dublin Start Up’ Networking Event in association with Enterprise Ireland. www.startupdublin.com Business Networking event. Theme: Cyber Security; International Guest speakers. March: St Patrick’s Day Ball 19th of March Swissotel. Plus St Patrick’s Day Family Public Event in association with Old Town Community & Telliskivi. 1916 Commemoration; Letters from Kilmainham Jail Exhibition. During the year: Irish Film Institute ‘1916’ Movie Nights. Comedy Estonia; featuring 2 Irish Comedians. Architect Networking Event; Presentation and Workshop. European Wood House Industry Presentation. ‘1916’ Movie; producer Kevin McCann; location Old Town Tallinn. On going Fun Fundraising; family & cultural events planned (possible Fleadh Cheol, Music Festival)

‘Volunteer building/refurbishment projects for Family Shelters/Orphanages

in Estonia’

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

Vice Chair in Dublin is Patrick Doherty.

Email: patrick@iebn.org

Chair in Tallinn is Rachel Armstrong.

Email: info@iebn.org

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It is free to become a member of IEBN, our events are free to attend. Come on board! Thank you for your time.