STIMULATING AND SUPPORTING NEW BUSINESS IN IRELAND

Entrepreneurial spirit alive in South West Donegal

By Joan Fahey, March 11, 2010

A large crowd assembled recently in Fiontarlann, Kilcar to attend the Start Your Own Business seminar which was organised by WESTBIC in conjunction with Meitheall Forbartha na Gaeltachta. Local entrepreneur, Kilcar-based Declan Gallagher of OGT Teo, who was a nominee for Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2009, advised the gathering that innovation and business planning were key factors in running a successful business. He also highlighted the importance of networking and after-sales customer service as important tools for success.

Among the other speakers providing advice to entrepreneurs on the night were: Liam O Cuinneagain of Oideas Gael (who is also Cathaoirleach of Udaras na Gaeltachta) and Jim Glackin of the Jim Glackin Business Institute. In addition, information on what supports are available to new enterprises, particularly in the Gaeltacht were discussed. The speakers on this topic were Micheal Mac Giolla Easbuig, Udaras na Gaeltachta on the supports available from Udaras na Gaeltachta, Seán O Gallachoir (MFG) on the new LEADER programme and Seamus Mac Suibhne (MFG) on the Enterprise Allowance Scheme which is run in conjunction with the Department of Social and Family Affairs.

Following a questions and answers session, Eunan Cunningham WESTBIC highlighted the types of workspaces for new start ups offered in the Fiontarlann Incubation and Enterprise Centre and outlined the services offered by the Business Angels Partnership. He also thanked the speakers, attendees and the funders, MFG and the Department of Social and Family Affairs.

This was the final event of a 10 week Start Your Own Business Course run by WESTBIC in conjunction with MFG and the Dept of Social Welfare. The seminar was also run in conjunction with Donegal County Enterprise Board’s “Enterprising Donegal Business Week 2010”.

Photo:
Back Left to Right: Sean O Gallachoir, MFG, Eunan Cunningham, WESTBIC, Declan Gallagher, Oilean Glas Teo

Front Left to right: Mícheal Mac Giolla Easbuig, Udaras na Gaeltachta, Liam O Cuinneagain, Oideas Gael, Seamus Mac Suibhne, MFG and Jim Glackin, Jim Glackin Business Institute