Monday, 17 February 2025
Small businesses and budding entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to sample over 20 events aimed at helping them to start or grow their business as part of this year’s Local Enterprise Week in Donegal. The initiative of the Local Enterprise Offices nationwide, supported by Enterprise Ireland and the local authorities, takes place from the 3rd to 7th March this year. One of the highlights of this year’s programme is the ‘Made in Donegal Business Summit and Showcase’, an exciting event that brings together some of Donegal's brightest minds from the worlds of sport and business, while celebrating the county’s thriving artisan food and craft industries.
The week begins with ‘Building Your Business Network: A Foundation for Success’, hosted by Kingsley Aikins from The Networking Institute, who will give a masterclass on the art of networking driven from his vast experience and significant achievements. Kingsley will discuss his work with The Ireland Funds, Ireland’s then largest diaspora organisation, where he helped to raise over a quarter of a billion dollars. After his talk, there will be a networking opportunity for attendees where Kingsley will share practical advice, knowledge, and tips for network upskilling.
On Tuesday, there are several events to cover all bases of business. ‘Develop, Grow and Retain Talent: Smart Approaches to Talent Development and Retention’ will see a panel discuss how organisations such as Kelco, Century Cinema and Tata created a growth mindset by promoting a culture where learning is valued and recognised. ‘Taxation and Company Law Tips for SMEs’ will cover the different tax reliefs for your business, and how to deal with Revenue. ‘Revolutionising Business: The Power of AI and XR’ will delve into the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Extended Reality (XR), in shaping the future of businesses.
Wednesday presents itself with lots more interesting events from ‘Leading with Purpose: Inspiring Women to Champion Sustainability’, a workshop on refining your approach to sustainability, to an ‘Exploring Self-Employment Workshop’.
Thursday brings a celebration of female entrepreneurship, as Donegal Women in Business mark International Women’s Day with an event entitled ‘Fit for Business’. Hosted by Maria Rushe of Rushe Fitness, the event will feature a keynote address from guest speaker, Jenni Timony, founder of FitPink, who will share her journey and insights on building a thriving business. A panel of local women in business will also share their insights, challenges, and strategies for growth.
Local Enterprise Week wraps up on Friday, 7th March with the ‘Made in Donegal: Business Summit’ which takes place from 12:00 PM to 3:30 PM at the Mount Errigal Hotel, Letterkenny. The event will be hosted by Ciara Doherty, a national broadcaster and qualified barrister.
The morning session will feature a panel of influential Donegal business leaders: Caroline Faulkner, who has had a distinguished 35-year career with Fortune 50 companies worldwide; Willie McCarter, former Managing Director of Fruit of the Loom and former Chair of the International Fund for Ireland; and Edward McDaid, who now leads his family business, Football Special.
In the afternoon, the focus shifts to leadership in sport, with talks from Joe Barr, World Ultra-Cycling Championship winner; Jim McGuinness, current Donegal GAA manager; and Patsy McGonagle, who founded Finn Valley AC in 1971 and managed Irish athletics teams for 25 years.
