An exciting new enterprise development called ‘The Base’, which is the brainchild of representatives of BASICC Ltd is now open for business.
Historically the Railway Road was a hive of business activity, particularly from the period of the 1860’s to the 1940’s which connected the towns of Ballybofey and Stranorlar with other parts of the country.
However, seventy-years on the Railway Road has now been put firmly back on the map thanks to this innovative new development.
In 2006 a group of innovative, determined and driven individuals came together to form a community company now known as BASICC (Ballybofey and Stranorlar Integrated Community Company) Ltd.
The primary objective and aim of BASICC was to address the social, economic and environmental needs the local area required.
BASICC identified that an enterprise centre would be crucial to supporting enterprise development and this became a focus for the group.
Through extensive work with partners and funders BASICC secured substantial financial support in order to build ‘The BASE’ Enterprise Centre.
The project is funded by the International Fund for Ireland [IFI], Donegal County Council, Enterprise Ireland and by the EU’s INTERREG IVA Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body.
Thanks to this new creation, the Railway Road is now a hub of activity again with much to offer.
Some of the businesses in the locality are, the Finn Valley Leisure centre, Finn Community Childcare Centre and the new Finn Harps FC stadium which is currently under construction, and now ‘The BASE’.
The BASE comprises over 19,000 square foot of prime space on three floors.
This space has been thoughtfully designed to enable business development and growth with dedicated hot desk and start-up space, flexible arrangements, offices and units of various sizes, training facilities, Free Wi-Fi in designated areas, free parking, bright communal spaces and a range of meeting rooms.
As well as attracting new business to the area ‘The BASE’ will support existing local businesses by working directly with local business owners and managers.
Enterprise Centres are a proven means of generating economic growth.
Research carried out on behalf of the National Association of Community Enterprise Centres (NACEC) estimates that 1,133 businesses would not have started if their local enterprise centre did not exist (data taken from 76 centres surveyed in July 2013).
The BASE is located in the heart of The County, only 20 minutes’ drive from Letterkenny and Donegal Town, and close to a number of key urban centres in Northern Ireland (Derry, 50km, Strabane, 22km and Omagh 45km).
The BASE is within walking distance of the Finn Valley Leisure Centre and dedicated childcare facilities.
Kieran Doherty, chairperson for Ballybofey and Stranorlar Integrated Community Company (BASICC) told Donegal Daily, “This is a really exciting time for everyone involved, the centre is a great example of what can be achieved when we all work together.
“BASICC was formed in 2006 to address the social, economic and environmental needs of the local area.
“We identified from a very early stage that an enterprise centre would be crucial to enabling enterprise development and that it was fundamental in providing connectivity to international opportunities.
“This became a focus for us and through work with our partners and funders we now have ‘The BASE’ and a new chapter for enterprise development in this area, he concluded.
The ethos at The BASE is one of positive change, energy and enthusiasm.
Management and Staff are dedicated to working with occupants and users to overcome barriers, identify opportunities and achieve success.
If you would like to arrange a tour of The BASE or to find out more contact:
Donna Maskery, Enterprise Centre Manager
Tel: 087 607 5555
Email: manager@thebaseenterprise.ie
Website: www.thebaseenterprise.ie
The project is funded by the International Fund for Ireland [IFI], Donegal County Council, Enterprise Ireland and by the EU’s INTERREG IVA Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body.
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