Enterprising

In this episode, Mary Ryan, Deputy CEO at WestBIC, delves into the specifics of Enterprise Ireland's Pre-Seed Start Fund. She provides a comprehensive overview of the fund, explaining its purpose and the crucial role it plays in nurturing early-stage start-ups. Mary details the eligibility criteria, outlining who can apply and the types of projects and entrepreneurs the fund is designed to support.Furthermore, Mary discusses the application process, offering valuable insights and tips for potential applicants to improve their chances of success. She also emphasises how WestBIC can support you throughout the process, from initial application to securing funding. Mary's insights make this episode an invaluable resource for anyone considering applying for the Pre-Seed Start Fund, providing clarity and guidance on leveraging this opportunity for business growth and innovation.To find out more about our unique service offerings, contact us at www.westbic.ieTell us if you found this episode beneficial!Find us on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook & LinkedIn

In this episode, Padraig Considine from Professional Accounting Solutions sheds light on the journey of enterprising individuals venturing into the dynamic realm of entrepreneurship. He delves deep into tailored business insights crafted specifically for those initiating their entrepreneurial odyssey. Whether you're venturing into startup territory, transforming a passion project into a business, or simply exploring the entrepreneurial landscape for the first time, you're in the right place. Join us as we uncover practical strategies, dispense invaluable tips, and illuminate the path forward. From tackling initial hurdles to seizing promising opportunities, we're here to equip you with the knowledge and motivation essential for success. So, gear up with your entrepreneurial spirit and let's set sail on this exciting adventure together!

In this episode Seamus McCormack, Area Manager at WestBIC delves into the profound impact of social enterprises in today's society. Join us as we discuss their benefits and highlight inspiring stories of positive change. Discover how social enterprises are reshaping our world, balancing financial success with social impact. It’s clear that social enterprises play a vital role in shaping a more inclusive and socially conscious economy. By balancing financial success with positive societal impact, social enterprises are contributing to a brighter and more sustainable future.   

WestBIC's Alison McGonagle sits down with Anne Marie McLaughlin, Innovation Manager of the recently opened Inishowen Innovation (ii) in Buncrana, Co. Donegal, to discuss what the true benefits are of innovation hubs and facilities.This episode explores:Can you have it all? Work-life balance - can you have a successful career or start up while being based in a more rural area as opposed to the bigger urban centres?The added benefits of an innovation centre or hubHow Inishowen Innovation came to fruitionAnne Marie's return back home from the StatesThe continuous growth of innovation in DonegalThe supports available in Donegal and the NorthWest regionInishowen Innovation Website: https://theii.com/Email: AnneMarie.McLaughlin@theii.com

This episode is for any early-stage entrepreneur, people thinking about perusing entrepreneurship or applying for funding. The beginning of this story is about identifying a real problem worth tackling with a view to building a profitable business but as the conversation develops, Margaret Rae, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Konree Innovation delves into many tips and tricks to building an investible business and so much more. Margaret talks to Chantal Costello (WestBIC), about the supports she received from New Frontiers, to EMPOWER, to the Women EU Tech Award, to WestBIC, to Enterprise Ireland. Some key topics include:-       Konree Innovation, how it all started and the idea generation process-       Margaret’s move from a researcher to an entrepreneur -       Stepping forward into female entrepreneurship and overcoming barriers -       Building confidence -       Building a network that you can trust and lean on, supporting fellow entrepreneurs and paying opportunities forward. -       Understanding and acknowledging the gaps in your business and making a plan to fill them.-       What startups need to know about Enterprise Ireland’s Pre Seed Start Fund -       Optimising investment to propel the company, hitting milestones and impact management.-       How to hire the right team .-       Recruiting the right co-founder, and co-founder compatibility!-       Tips on writing applications -       So much more!!Register for the next online Application Support Workshops are organised by the Business Innovation Centres (BIC) in collaboration with Enterprise Ireland for the Pre Seed Start Fund here. These workshops are interactive and participation is welcomed from entrepreneurs and early stage companies considering applying to the fund, including those based internationally looking to start a business in Ireland. Workshops are free to attend but advance registration is required.Contact Margaret here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaret-rae-74304736/?originalSubdomain=ie

This episode is whistle-stop tour for entrepreneurs, founders and new business owners to ensure they avoid making critical legal mistakes that could back to bite them! Laura Myles, the Head of Data Privacy and IP at Flynn O'Driscoll LLP and Cian Mannion, Corporate associate at Flynn O’Driscoll LLP speak to Ultan Faherty, Project Manager at WestBIC  around investment, intellectual property protection and shareholder matters. Listen to this episode to gain clear, tangible & practical insights into:-       The benefits of incorporating a company -       The importance of a shareholder’s agreement, especially when it comes to cofounding a company-       Protecting Intellectual Property Rights-       Should equity be on the table as an incentive to key hires?-       Being realistic about the exit strategy-       The risk of diluting the ownership of your own company -       Taking on investment at scaling stage-       Red flags & green flags that investors look for when investing in a start-up -       Investor rights that a company should be aware of-       What are term sheets & are they negotiable?-       What to look out for when thinking about an acquisition -       Areas that can affect valuation.-       And so much more!For more legal advice tailored specifically to your start-up, contact Laura Myles lauramyles@fod.ie or Cian Mannion– cianmannion@fod.ieWebsite: https://fod.ie

Mícheál Ó Duibhir, the Digital Economy Development Officer with Údarás na Gaeltachta takes to the enterprising microphone to tell Eunan Cunningham, Regional Manager at WestBIC about the opportunities for starting a business in one of the 27 digital hubs located in Gaeltacht areas. Mícheál speaks about talent, work-life balance and opportunities for employment generation in new start-ups and existing businesses.Find out how Údarás na Gaeltachta is giving people the opportunity to move back to the Gaeltacht, by availing of the supports for businesses, entrepreneurs, remote workers, and members of the diaspora in the Gaeltacht areas.Mícheál leaves listeners with the key message of “Don’t be afraid to ask for help, because help is out there”, and listening to this podcast is the first step!You can contact Mícheál at m.oduibhir@udaras.ie

Celebrating 25 years in business, Noreen D'Arcy of D'Arcy Marketing & PR takes the Enterprising mic to discuss: marketing for startups, female entrepreneurship, building a personal brand and taking guidance from mentors who will push you and your business forward. Noreen opens up about how working in the hospitality industry was a major opportunity for her, unbeknown at the time. We talk about navigating decisions after a disappointing leaving certificate and starting a career at a time where there were 2.5 sales & marketing jobs in Galway City in hotels. We also touch on taking time out, accepting different forms of support, both in business and in life, self-awareness, and learning from failures.  This is an extremely authentic and relatable story of how a conversation over pints in an Irish pub encouraged a female to trust in her own ability and set up her own marketing & PR agency.  Noreen delves into the importance of understanding your USP, your market niche and why your customers buy from you, as well as creating and conveying your own unique story, your perception of your USP v the customers perception of the USP. Whether you’re a female founder, a business person, a marketeer or a student, this conversation will show you the importance of self-awareness and learning from failures. Get in touch with Noreen via her website: https://darcymarketingandpr.ie