Oriana Ramirez with her business ‘Oh my Cookies’ is the successful 2026 Waterford Pitch Perfect business. The announcement was made by Gareth Evans, Head of Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office Waterford.

‘Oh My Cookies’ creates New York style cookies, cookie bars, and cookie cakes in a fun and indulgent way. Within the past year Oriana has grown her business from an interesting hobby to selling in cafes, online and at markets all over the south east. Apart from her baking skills and imagination, her real point of differentiation is her marketing and presentation skills.

It has been a steep learning curve for Oriana, but she loves the challenge, “Every day is a school day, that is why I entered Pitch Perfect. I knew taking part would help me grow my business in a more structured and professional way. I want to learn how to scale, reach more customers, and expand into more events, collaborations, and potentially work with larger businesses or retailers.

“I’m just at the start of my business journey and never expected to succeed at the Pitch Perfect competition. The LEO has been so supportive and now I’ve a real opportunity to grow the brand and the business.”

Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Waterford, SETU Xcelerate Centre and Boxworks Co Working Space joined forces to deliver this Start Up Competition for those with an innovative business idea or those already in business trading less than 18 months.

Participants, limited to those based in Waterford, were guided through the initial stages of developing their idea/business. Then successful applicants were selected for a Business Boot camp where they perfected their pitch before presenting to panel of judges.

The bootcamp was delivered by the Entrepreneurs Academy across two Saturdays, May 16th and 23rd.  The winner received €1,000 in prize money. All participants were offered mentoring as part of our LEO Mentoring programme.

Gareth was impressed with the quality of entries, “The numbers and quality this year were the best I have seen to date. Oriana really epitomises the kind start up business we target with Pitch Perfect. Her originality and spontaneity were infectious. We at the LEO wish to thank all the entrants, congratulate ‘Oh my Cookies’ and encourage anyone with a new business idea to contact us.”

Local Enterprise Office Waterford is here to help you start a business, expand an existing business or reach new markets. It provides advice, information and supports in starting up or growing your business as part of a network of 31 Local Enterprise Offices across Ireland.

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