Businesses urged to look to future at Enterprise Week

Pictured at the Donegal launch of Local Enterprise Week 2018 where the theme this year is Back to the Future are Head of Enterprise in Donegal, Michael Tunney; Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council, Cllr. Gerry McMonagle; Eve Anne McCarron, Local Enterprise Office, Donegal and Grace Korbel, Local Enterprise Office, Donegal.

Businesses in Donegal will get the chance to look forward with confidence by taking note of some of the fantastic free advice on offer during this year’s Local Enterprise Week events from March 5-9, 2018. “Every business can look back to where they have been, but they should also be always looking ahead to where they want to go. That’s what we are inviting Donegal businesses to do this year during Local Enterprise Week 2018. “Our theme for Enterprise Week is ‘Back to the Future’ and the programme we have put together in conjunction with partner agencies, includes talks, workshops and seminars on a huge array of important business topics,” said Michael Tunney, Head of Enterprise in Donegal.

Local Enterprise Office, Donegal is itself looking to the future, having launched its Development Plan 2017-2020 just before Christmas of last year. “The vision in the plan is to make Donegal an attractive and competitive location for setting up and doing business, thereby creating a sustainable economy with a strong focus on employment and international markets. “To achieve this vision, we aim to continue to provide high quality supports and services that promotes entrepreneurship, fosters start-ups and drives the development of businesses and our local economy,” Mr Tunney added.

The Head of Enterprise said he is delighted with the level of input from other agency partners to this year’s programme, adding that every year the programme is put together in response to the needs of the business community in Donegal. Before proceedings get under way in Donegal on Monday March 5th, the business community around the county will be collectively holding its breath in hope and expectation for Thomas McLaughlin of Tadáias, and Ciara McGlynn of Niche Specialist Staffing Partners, who represent Donegal in the National final of Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur.

That final will take place in Dublin on March 4th, but events in Donegal kick off on Monday March 5th, in Solis Lough Eske, Donegal Town with the official launch of the week by Cathoirleach Cllr. Gerry McMonagle. The launch will then be followed by a keynote address from Donagh Kelly of the KN Group who will share his story of creating and growing a national brand and he is just one of a top line-up of speakers over the course of the week.

“We are delighted once again to have some fantastic local, national and international speakers bringing their expertise and experience to the county and are certain that there will be terrific learning and networking opportunities for businesses every day,” the Head of Enterprise said. The week’s events will see a superb mix of topics covered including; Social Media, Export, Manufacturing, Marketing, Diaspora and many more.

One of the highlights is a celebration of manufacturing in Donegal, in Buncrana Cinema on Monday March 5th, with the launch of the book and short film “Donegal – We Make Things” but there are plenty of other highlights to choose from as well. Fashion influencer Erika Fox of Retro Flame flies in from New York for her keynote address on Thursday 8th in the Regional Cultural Centre, Letterkenny while Friday’s marketing event with Colin McKeown of Whitespace and Gareth Dunlop of Fathom is certain to book out quickly. Indeed there are events to pick from at locations right around Donegal and all are free to attend. There are events on a terrific range of topics across the county from Donegal Town to Buncrana, Letterkenny, Kilcar, Redcastle, Dungloe, Downings, Fintown Gweedore and Glencolmcille – with plenty to choose from.

To book events, log on to www.localenterprise.ie/donegal or send an e.mail to patricia.clarke@leo.donegalcoco.ie or phone 0749160735.

Local Enterprise Office Donegal is supported through co-funding from the Irish Government and the European Regional Development Fund 2014 – 2020.