Entrepreneur, author and adventurer Debra Searle launched the 2012 Enterprising Donegal Business Week yesterday to a capacity crowd in the Regional Cultural Centre, Letterkenny.
Over 800 local businesses are booked to attend events during Business Week. Organised by Donegal County Enterprise Board, the aim of the series of seminars and workshops is to inspire and motivate people to consider starting their own business and to provide a learning and networking forum for those already in business.
Running until Friday 9th March, in venues across the county, topics range from digital marketing to a workshop on wellbeing.
Guest speaker Debra Searle first hit the headlines when she single-handedly rowed 3,000 miles across the Atlantic.
In an epic 3 ½ month journey she battled 30 foot waves, sharks and force 8 gales in a 23 foot plywood boat before reaching her destination. Since then she has completed the Yukon River Quest and sailed around the Antarctic as well as launching two companies.
Speaking at the launch, Debra’s advice to anyone starting a business today was that “You just have to choose the right attitude. Choose the right attitude and anything is possible”
Other high profile speakers scheduled for the week include media commentator Dr. Maureen Gaffney, social media guru Krishna De and Gerry Duffy, Irish winner of the 2011 UK Ironman contest.
“There is a great mix of guests and some brilliant events this year”, said Michael Tunney, Chief Executive of Donegal County Enterprise Board.
“There are seminars covering everything from how to drive sales with digital marketing to a workshop on generating new business ideas. There should be something for everyone in business or those who are thinking of starting a business”
Events continue on Wednesday when two of Ireland’s leading digital marketing experts, Krisha De and Gareth Dunlop, will host a workshop and panel discussion on website design and online strategy for small businesses.
On Thursday morning the focus will turn to the “Student Enterprise Awards 2012” in the Mount Errigal hotel Letterkenny. There will also be seminars on controlling cashflow, marketing your business and lean manufacturing.
One of the biggest events take place on the morning of Friday 9th, when leading broadcaster and academic Dr. Maureen Gaffney headlines a seminar on “Maximizing Your Business Potential Through Wellbeing”.
Dr. Gaffney is a regular contributor to the Vincent Browne show, appears frequently on RTE television and her most recent book, “Flourishing”, reached number 1 in the Irish best-seller list. She will be joined by Gerry Duffy, Irish tri-athlete and author, and Claire Burge, founder of GetOrganized.
Enterprise Week will wrap up on Friday evening with a “Cook Off” between TDs Pádraig MacLochlainn and Charlie McConalogue hosted by the Food Coast, Donegal’s good food initiative and Community Chef Brian McDermott who will also provide a cookery demonstration showing how to prepare a classic fish dish using local ingredients.
For further information about Enterprising Donegal Business Week 2012 please contact Celine Carroll, Donegal County Enterprise Board on 074 9160735 or email ccarroll@donegalenterprise.ie or visit the Donegal County Enterprise Board website at www.donegalenterprise.ie. County and City Enterprise Boards are funded by the Irish Government and co-funded by the European Union under the EU Structural Funds 2007 – 2013.
