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Commenting on the event, Brenda Hegarty, Head of Enterprise Donegal said: “Amidst the ongoing uncertainty of world events and global inflation, Local Enterprise Office Donegal continues to guide businesses through all sorts of issues currently facing them, from resilience and recovery to the green economy, becoming ‘leaner’, exploring new markets, doing business online and the new trading relationship with the UK."

"We have an excellent range of tailor-made supports for small and micro businesses, however, we understand that navigating the supports available for your business can often be difficult. So, we’re hosting our Business Cost Saving Advice Clinic to make it that bit easier. We also know that many established companies want to improve their business processes and our Lean, Green and Digital supports can help drive efficiency and reduce costs, which is key for any business in the current climate.”

The event will be hosted by Ciaran O’Donnell, presenter of the Business Matters podcast on Highland Radio. Key speakers on the day include Eugene O’Keane of Platinum Advisors, John Hearns of Pembroke Alliance, Martin O’Reilly, owner of O’Reilly Sports, Ray Nulty, MD of Centigo, Aine Moyne, MD of Comet Textile Printers, Clare Ryan, CEO, ITUS Secure Technologies, and Avril McMonagle, Founder and CEO, Mosaic Digital Solutions.

Martin O’Reilly, owner of O’Reilly Sports will talk about how Lean for Micro has benefited his business: “This event is a great opportunity for Donegal micro businesses and SMEs to learn more about the cost saving competitiveness supports, Lean for Micro, Green for Micro and Digital Start, available from the Local Enterprise Office Donegal. I would encourage anyone running a business in Donegal to invest in their business by taking some time away from their desks on Monday, 22nd May, to come along to this event and learn about the supports available.”

Eugene O’Keane of Platinum Advisors will kick off the session with ‘Money Matters’, a practical guide outlining trusted, common-sense tools to evaluate your business and long-term financial planning.

John Hearns of Pembroke Alliance will give a practical introduction to ‘Lean for Micro’ explaining how businesses can benefit from a Lean mindset to achieve increased productivity and cost-reduction. There will also be an introduction to ‘Green for Micro.’ Local business owner, Aine Moyne, MD of Comet Textile Printers, will share how the programme benefited her business by helping her to adopt a green approach to minimise waste and avail of renewable energy options.

Clare Ryan, CEO of ITUS Secure Technologies will share her experience of the Digital Start programme and the real-life challenges faced by businesses regarding processes and integration. Avril McMonagle, Founder and CEO of Mosaic Digital Solutions, will also discuss how their business found the Digital Start programme and the positive outcomes achieved. Avril will also share advice and pre-work tips for any business considering applying for the programme.

Encouraging business owners across the county to attend, Steven Perry, Business Advisor at Local Enterprise Office, Donegal, said: “For companies that are already up and running, we have a range of supports to help drive growth such as mentoring, e-commerce, digitalisation and management development. Our team will be in attendance to provide you with general business advice whether you are an entrepreneur, a new start-up or a growing and established small business, based in Donegal.

On the day, we will outline a range of financial supports and funding options for businesses and provide high-level guidance on the steps and schemes that could support the growth of your planned or current business. Our aim with this event is to encourage people to take their business to the next level with the support and guidance of Local Enterprise Office Donegal, and we look forward to having as many Donegal businesses as possible in attendance.”

If you have an idea to start or grow your business within Donegal, get in touch to find out how the Local Enterprise Office can help. Email info@leo.donegalcoco.ie or call (074) 916 0735.