10 local start-ups participated in PayPal's 24-hour HACK for IMPACT hackathon to support local entrepreneurship at Dunboyne Castle in Co. Meath.

The event, which was held in partnership with Inner City Enterprise, saw a range of digital solutions workshopped, including website design and app creation, with the help of 30 PayPal mentors.

Treats by Sylvia, an award-winning mini-cheesecake e-commerce business founded during the pandemic, took first prize based on innovation, collaboration, impact, completion and presentation as assessed by the judging panel.

Mic Drop, a mobile app developed in Swords to enable networking and digital tipping for musicians, came second, and Vets Near Home, a home call out veterinarian services provider underpinned by an e-commerce platform, placed in third.

Eve Brassil, owner of Vets Near Home, commented: “The team have been incredible. They haven’t just developed a website but helped me future-proof my business.”

The other start-ups and concepts involved were:

• Createnesz Virtual Solutions A virtual assistance business hoping to develop a website booking system with payment functionality and membership area.
• Oliverita An olive oil business built on an ecommerce and inventory management platform with blockchain capabilities.
• Perfect Fit Nutrition A nutrition and wellness website and blog to offer advisory-based subscriptions.
• Print Paper Press A company specialising in creating vintage-style newspaper prints, empowered by an ecommerce platform with enhanced functionality.
• Reflektor Coaching An online booking and e-learning platform to facilitate wellness coaching.
• The Mushroom Butcher A farm-to-fork organic mushroom business supported by an e-commerce and inventory management platform.
• Hug & Hold Doula support A doula and post-partum/early childhood services provider seeking a mobile application and online booking and e-learning solution.

The judging panel consisted of Evanne Kilmurray, CEO Inner City Enterprise; Neil McDonnel, CEO of the Irish SME Association (ISME); Luigi De Curtis, senior director of SMB Europe, PayPal; Paul Ryan, Global Head of Risk Specialised Servicing and Ireland Site Lead, PayPal; and Ciaran Maceochaidh, senior director of global professional services, PayPal.

Speaking about the hackathon, Ryan said: “This hackathon is all about having an impact. As well as having an impact for the startups involved, in turn, they can have an impact on the wider community.

"From digital payments to online booking systems, this event shows the vital role that technology plays in how organisations originate and operate – and, perhaps more importantly, innovate.

"Through collaboration and expertise, PayPal takes pride in turning such great ideas into real outcomes.”

Kilmurray added: "PayPal’s Hack for Impact is an incredible opportunity for our clients, who would gain access to professional mentorship and cutting-edge, tailored technical help designed specifically for their unique start-up business needs.

"I am both happy and impressed to see the innovations and collaborations that emerged from this event and how they made a meaningful difference for our community.”

Photo: Sylvia Kennedy, owner of Treats by Sylvia (middle), alongside PayPal mentors Jelena Silkena and Marta Alvargonzalez. (Pic: Supplied)