Tourism businesses in cork can get a free kick-start to their business this September. Tourism businesses in the city can avail of a free, two-hour business advice clinic on Monday 14 September. The clinic, being run by Failte Ireland, is called 'BizCheck' and will give practical advice, expanding on its range of supports available to the tourism business community.

South and East Cork Area Development (SECAD) is hosting a number of information days in East and South Cork. The focus of these days is employment, education and training with an added dimension of health awareness promotion. Information will be provided by representatives from the Department of Social and Family Affairs, FAS, VEC Adult Education and Learning, Failte Ireland, Citizens Information, Money and Budgeting Services (MABS) and St Vincent de Paul.

Cork Chamber of Commerce (CCC) President, Ger O'Mahoney, has called on people to "fast-track" Cork's economic recovery by voting yes to the upcoming Lisbon Treaty. Speaking at the launch of the CCC's yes campaign in partnership with Business for Europe, Mr O'Mahoney said, "A yes vote in the referendum on 2 October is critical for the successful growth of the Cork region.

It's not all work and no play in Carrigaline as local bank staff are preparing for this month's Crosshaven Challenge Triathlon. Staff at the Carrigaline branch of Ulster Bank will be joining a wide field of competitors for the event on Saturday 5 September. Now in its seventh year, the challenge is a fundraising event aiming to raise €15,000 for local projects within the Crosshaven area.

The recession presents opportunities to those willing to take them and this is evident with a new Cork business. Molaga Mediation, based in Timoleague in West Cork, is a new business in one of the fastest growing business areas in Ireland. The rise in demand for services from mediators is due, largely, to the recession.

Last Saturday saw the launch of Inishannon's newest bar. The Woodview Innishannon, formerly Joey's bar Innishannon, was recently taken over by Michelle O'Mahony and locals, family and friends came out in force for the celebrations. The Woodview Bar has been in Innishannon for approximately fifty years. Michelle had been struggling to find a name for her new bar until she came across the name when looking through the old deeds from 34 years ago.

In times of economic difficulty it is important to evaluate what you have and to realistically analyse your strengths and weaknesses. As an island nation, our economic activity and, ultimately, our ability as a nation to grow through trade is inextricably linked to our ports. Brendan Keating, CEO of the Port of Cork, believes that the importance of the port to the future of Cork is something that cannot be underestimated.

The government has been accused of putting the retail sector "in limbo" over a reluctance to enact an amendment to the Conveyancing Law Bill that was "rushed" through the Dail in July. Ciaran Lynch, Labour Party spokesman on Local Government, said that the Bill, which is set to be enabled on 1 October, would not yet include the section regarding the provision for downward rental reviews.

1. Name of your business?
Curam de Cara Academy of Martial Arts Ltd
2. Location?
Various locations in Cork including Blarney, Rathpeacon, Grenagh, Carrignabhfear, Churchfield, Silver Springs, Ballincollig, Bishopstown and City Centre

A new Government initiative, the Work Placement Programme, will aim to give people necessary work experience to benefit fully from an economic upturn. The programme, being delivered by FAS, is designed to offer unemployed people, including unemployed graduates, an opportunity to enhance their work experience throught six month work placements.