Portlaoise creche 'champion' is a stand out business woman in Laois

Portlaoise business woman Sonya Duggan has been honoured by the All-Ireland Business Foundation.

The Director of Kilminchy School House has been named as the Business All-Star Laois Entrepreneur of the Year 2024. It's the fourth year running that Ms Duggan has received the award.

The Foundation says her commitment extends beyond the identification of industry challenges. It says that as the Director of Kilminchy School House, a Montessori School in Portlaoise, Ms Duggan has played a pivotal role in creating a nurturing learning environment since the school's establishment in September 1999.

Reacting to the news of her achievement, Kilminchy School House Director, Sonya Duggan said she was delighted to receive All-Star Accreditation as Laois Entrepreneur of the Year.

"On behalf of our whole team in both our schools, we will continue to strive to do our best for our children and parents. This accreditation recognises all the hard work we put in to ensure they continue to get the best care and service Kilminchy School House can offer. It gives us such a sense of pride and achievement in our work," she said.

Her business is geared towards children aged 1–10 years, the school encourages creative exploration of the world through various teaching approaches inspired by Reggio, Steiner, and Forest School methodologies.

"She actively champions and promotes innovative initiatives and solutions. Her focus is on ensuring that the early years sector not only attracts but also retains exceptional individuals for the present and future. Her unwavering dedication to this cause serves as both an inspiration and a crucial element for the improvement of education and childcare services," says the Foundation.

It continues: "The success of Kilminchy School House is attributed to its commitment to providing high-quality staff, excellent facilities, and fostering a caring, friendly culture. Sonya's passion for Early Years Education and Care is evident, as she serves as a dedicated advocate for Quality and Holistic Education, Equality, and ensuring a level playing field for all providers. Her enduring impact on the education sector continues to make a significant contribution to the community."

Deputy Chair of AIBF’s Adjudication Board, Kieran Ring, announced the award.

"This accolade is in recognition of Sonya Duggan, Kilminchy School House's outstanding performance during her audit for Business All-Star accreditation. The result of the audit saw Sonya being honoured with Business All-Star Laois Entrepreneur Of The Year 2024 accreditation. This is Sonya's fourth consecutive year being named a Business All-Star, a remarkable achievement.

"Sonya's determination goes beyond identifying the challenges faced by the industry. She actively seeks and promotes innovative initiatives and solutions, ensuring the early years sector attracts and retains exceptional individuals now and in the future. Her unwavering commitment to this cause is both inspiring and essential for the betterment of education and childcare services.

Managing Director of the All-Ireland Business Foundation, Kapil Khanna, said the accreditation, which is now held by over 650 firms, is needed by the thousands of small and medium businesses which operate to their own standards but have nothing to measure them by.

“We evaluate a company’s background, trustworthiness and performance, and we speak to customers, employees and vendors. We also anonymously approach the company as a customer and report back on the experience. The business goes through at least two interviews and is scored on every part of the process against set metrics,” he said.

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The All-Ireland Business Foundation says it is an autonomous national accreditation body tasked with enterprise development and the promotion of Best-in-Class in Irish business.