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Local Enterprise Office

Building a Craft & Design Enterprise Programme 2021
Are you an ambitious craftworker or designer looking to inject fresh new ideas and more structure into your enterprise?
Apply Now
Introducing Donegal Stories
The new home of business success stories in Donegal. Be the next Donegal story.
Be Inspired!
Green For Micro
The objective of the Green for Micro programme - a new initiative from the Local Enterprise Offices - is to help prepare small businesses for the low carbon, more resource-efficient economy of the future.
Learn More
Calendar 2021: Reach New Heights
Ensure you check out our digital 2021 Calendar booklet and make yourself aware of the many events and programmes throughout the year.
Check It Out
Ensuring your small business is Brexit ready
Book your place in our workshop "Prepare Your Business for Customs" on January 13th 2021.
BOOK NOW
Border Brexit Programmes
A range of support programmes aimed at assisting small businesses face the challenges of BREXIT
Find out more
#LookForLocal
If we all #LookForLocal in Donegal this winter, we’ll be helping local businesses and supporting jobs in local communities.
LOOK FOR LOCAL
COVID - 19
Business Continuity Planning Checklist of preparatory actions in responding to COVID-19
Click for more info

Welcome to Local Enterprise Office Donegal

Local Enterprise Office Donegal is the essential resource for small business in County Donegal. We support local enterprises in many different ways to encourage a thriving and sustainable local economy.Our highly qualified and experienced staff are here to help businesses to be successful. We have access to a broad range of business contacts and experts who can add real value to local enterprises. You can also contact us directly to discuss your business idea or development needs and we will be delighted to meet with you.

Upcoming Events

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25/06/2021	Business Information Session - Grant Aid Workshop June...	Book online
30/06/2021	Prepare Your Business for Customs Workshop June	Book online
14/07/2021	Trading Online Voucher Workshop 14th July 2021	Book online
20/07/2021	Start Your Own Business Programme - July - Daytime	Book online
21/07/2021	Developing a good Ecommerce Website for your Business 21st July 21...	Book online
28/07/2021	Prepare Your Business for Customs Workshop - July	Book online
30/07/2021	Business Information Session - Grant Aid Workshop July...	Book online

Latest News

20/07/2021
Start Your Own Business Programme - July - Daytime
The Start Your Own Business Programme is aimed at assisting those who are thinking of or at the early stages of setting up a business, helping them to understand what is required and plan ahead....
15/03/2021
Prepare Your Business for Customs Workshop March
This workshop provides the opportunity to understand the requirements for your business as to how to meet and comply with the current customs requirements....
01/09/2021
Building Craft & Design Enterprise Programme - Expression of Interest...
We are looking for ambitious Craft and Design based enterprises that want to inject new ideas and approaches to product development into their practice....
18/03/2021
North West Innovation Programme
Under the Border Brexit Support Package we have a highly interactive programme which will help companies consider how to innovate and with the support of mentors focus on a key innovation project....
02/03/2021
Food Starter Programme 2021
Anyone thinking of setting up as a food producer will benefit from this programme to help get them off to the right start....
20/01/2021
Superior Retailing Programme Information Evening...
Information evening to tell you all about the Superior Retailing Programme which aims help retailers sustain and grow as they deal with Brexit. ...
16/03/2021
Start Your Own Business Programme - Daytime - March...
The Start Your Own Business Programme is aimed at assisting those who are thinking of or at the early stages of setting up a business, helping them to understand what is required and plan ahead. ...
11/01/2021
North West Export Development Programme
Brexit has highlighted the need for sustainable market development. This programme will help you to develop your export strategy and plan. This is for businesses based in Donegal, Sligo & Leitrim....
24/02/2021
LEAN for Micro - How to make your business more efficient?...
LEAN is an approach to process management and improvement to help make your business more efficient. During this workshop you will learn about how these tools can help you and your business. ...
18/01/2021
Start Your Own Business Programme Evening - January
The Start Your Own Business Programme is aimed at assisting those who are thinking of or at the early stages of setting up a business, helping them to understand what is required and plan ahead. ...
14/10/2020
Donegal Businesses Urged to get Brexit Ready
Strong line up of speakers to feature at event to help local businesses to get ready for Brexit and consider what they need to do next. https://www.localenterprise.ie/!A290BW...
21/10/2020
Are You Brexit ready? Free Online Event
With less than 100 days to Brexit, you should now be taking the necessary preparations and actions, Join us for this online discussion to help you take the right steps. Download the Event Brochure here....
20/10/2020
Start Your Own Business Programme October 2020
This programme will be delivered online, over five weeks,with two sessions per week from 9.30am to 1pm, starting on Tuesday 20th October 2020. ...
17/08/2020
LEAN for Micro
LEAN for Micro is a national scheme to assist companies in becoming more efficient and sustainable through the application of LEAN....
26/05/2020
Re-Start – a Fund to Reconnect Small and Micro Businesses...
The Re-start Grant will give direct grant aid to micro and small businesses to help them with the costs associated with reopening and re-employing workers following COVID-19 closures....
31/07/2020
Start your Own Business Programme Expression of Interest...
We are now taking expressions of interest for this programme which helps those thinking of and in the early stages of starting up a business. ...
22/04/2020
Donegal Finalists of Student Enterprise Programme 2020 Announced...
Donegal Finalists of Student Enterprise Programme 2020 Announced Three Donegal schools have been shortlisted as finalists in the Student Enterprise Programme, which is co-ordinated by Local Enterprise Office Donegal. This year’s County Final saw a record 92 entries from 13 different schools across the county. ...
05/05/2020
Start Your Own Business. Delivered Online
The Start Your Own Business Programme is developed to help those with a new business idea or an early stage start up to develop a planned and strategic approach to getting it up and running. Fee can be paid by instalements by calling our office. ...
27/03/2020
Business Continuity Voucher - Closed for Applications...
The new Business Continuity Voucher, available through Local Enterprise Offices, is designed for businesses across every sector that employ up to 50 people. The scheme is now closed for applications. ...
13/03/2020
Business Continuity Planning Checklist of preparatory actions in responding to COVID-19...
Responding to a COVID-19 Outbreak The following is a checklist of some of the key risks to the continuity of your business activities during the outbreak of COVID-19 and of preparatory actions that can be taken to respond....
22/10/2020
Local Enterprise Office Donegal to Showcase Local Creative Businesses to North American Buyers...
As part of Creative Coast Donegal initiative, a group of US buyers will visit the county for a Meet the Buyer event this autumn. Taking place in Lough Eske Castle, the Meet the Buyer event is a great opportunity for local creative businesses to showcase their crafts and designs to a group of North American buyers and reach new markets. ...
27/02/2020
LEAN for Micro - Making your business more efficient.
The objective of the one day workshop is to give managers and key staff to be involved an overview of LEAN principles and illustrate how they can benefit small and micro businesses operationally and financially...
12/12/2019
JC Engineering scoop top prize at prestigious 2019 Local Enterprise Awards...
The overall winner of the 2019 Local Enterprise Awards, James Coyle of JC Engineering, has expressed his delight at scooping the prestigious title. Sixteen finalists were in contention for awards at the ceremony held in Letterkenny’s Radisson Blu’ Hotel on Friday last when a total of 8 awards were presented on the day. ...
04/11/2019
€10,000 to be won in Donegal Enterprise Awards ...
A total prize fund of €10,000 and a chance to compete in the national finals is up for grabs for Donegal businesses in this year’s Donegal Enterprise Awards, and entries to the competition are now open. ...
16/10/2019
EENGINEX Meet the Buyer Event
EENGINEX is an engineering “Meet the Buyer” event which offers participants a unique opportunity to engage in face-to-face sales meetings with senior buyers from throughout Ireland and the EU....
11/09/2019
Strong creative and digital economy form key elements of new plan...
The vision for the new creative strategy for Donegal is to build a strong creative and digital economy with robust, confident, financially viable and collaboration-friendly businesses, guests were told at the official launch last week....
17/10/2019
National Women's Enterprise Day - Make It Happen
We are delighted to bring together a range of speakers and specialists who will share their experience and expertise in how to make it happen and bring their business ambitions to life and overcome challenges in which ever form they take to celebrate National Women's Enterprise Day...
25/09/2019
Prepare Your Business for Customs Workshop...
Regardless of a hard or soft Customs Brexit, goods to/from the UK or transiting through the UK, will be subject to strict compliance and documentation requirements. This workshop will cover how export and import customs will impact trade with the UK as a ‘Third Country', how tariffs work and the need to correctly classify your goods....
19/07/2019
Donegal public urged to back Food Coast in Foodie Destinations vote...
Donegal’s ongoing food revolution aimed at making the county famous for food, received a tremendous boost this week with the news that Donegal Food Coast initiative has been short-listed as a finalist for Foodie Destinations 2019....
25/07/2019
Brexit: The Practical Steps You Need to Take Now...
All LEO Clients are invited to an information session on steps small business should take now to prepare for Brexit....
11/07/2019
Life of O’Reilly – Ecommerce Success for Ballybofey Sportswear Entrepreneurs...
From humble entrepreneurial beginnings - selling bobble hats out of the car-boot, to shipping out international orders; O’Reilly’s are keeping their eye on the ball, the thriving Donegal based start-up is set to soar, with ecommerce now playing a pivotal role in their business journey. ...
30/09/2019
Donegal Connect - A Donegal Feast at the Foot of Errigal...
An evening set at the foot of Errigal, where local Chefs come together with Donegal producers to create a feast of Donegal food. A unique opportunity to celebrate all that makes Donegal great. ...
25/06/2019
Tip O'Neill Awards Ceremony 2019
04/03/2020
Gateway to Growth Programme to Start in March 2020
The Gateway to Growth programme is open to businesses in the North West with the ambition to grow and the potential to build a sustainable export presence. Participants are welcome from all sectors and of all sizes. ...
14/06/2019
Gateway to Growth - Export Insight Workshop - Donegal Town...
The Gateway to Growth programme is open to businesses in the North West with the ambition to grow and the potential to build a sustainable export presence. Participants are welcome from all sectors and of all sizes...
12/06/2019
Gateway to Growth - Export Insight Workshop - Derry
The Gateway to Growth programme is open to businesses in the North West with the ambition to grow and the potential to build a sustainable export presence. Participants are welcome from all sectors and of all sizes...
06/06/2019
Gateway to Growth - Export Insight Workshop - Letterkenny...
The Gateway to Growth programme is open to businesses in the North West with the ambition to grow and the potential to build a sustainable export presence. Participants are welcome from all sectors and of all sizes...
03/06/2019
Gateway to Growth - Export Insight Workshop - Strabane
The Gateway to Growth programme is open to businesses in the North West with the ambition to grow and the potential to build a sustainable export presence. Participants are welcome from all sectors and of all sizes. ...
10/04/2019
Opportunity to Exhibit at the National Ploughing Championships...
Opportunity for Donegal businesses to exhibit at the National Ploughing Championships in the Local Enterprise Village area. Express your interest now!...
12/02/2019
Local Enterprise Week 2019 - Peak Performance...
Rugby star Tommy Bowe in the line up for Local Enterprise Week...
05/03/2019
Local Enterprise Week 2019 - Innovation Workshop- Nurturing Ideas, Growing Success...
Find out how having a focus on innovation can help your business, featuring the perspective of local business Island Seafoods from Killybegs....
05/02/2019
Is your on-line presence effective
Aimed at Artists, makers and small creative businesses this interactive session shows how to develop a focused approach to your web and social media content to get better results in less time....
25/10/2018
Need for more Female Entrepreneurs Highlighted at Donegal's NWED event ...
Donegal needs more female entrepreneurs and the female led businesses already in the county need to be encouraged to act locally but to grow globally - that was one of the key messages from the National Women in Enterprise event held in Burt last week....
22/11/2018
€4,500 up for grabs in Donegal Enterprise Awards...
Small and medium businesses in Donegal have been urged to grab the opportunity to highlight their business success, by entering the 2018 Donegal Enterprise Awards...
10/10/2018
Donegal's female entrepreneurs urged to fashion their future by going global...
The advantages for even small Donegal businesses to be able to scale up and look beyond local markets, will be highlighted when National Women's Enterprise Day is celebrated in the county on October 18....
27/09/2018
How to make a Profit
Creative Industries expert David Parrish will conduct this workshop that will cut through the jargon to help participants understand how they can achieve both a gross profit and net profit for their creative enterprise....
20/09/2018
Creative Coast Review
This in depth review of the Creative Coast over the past three years and a look forward for creative entrepreneurship in Donegal. ...
30/07/2018
Brexit
Your Local Enterprise Office has a range of supports to help you to address issues and maximise potential opportunities....
24/07/2018
Three Diaspora ambassadors to be awarded prestigious Tip O’Neill Award...
The Homes of Donegal Fundraising Committee that raised a huge amount of money to help victims of the devastating flooding in the Inishowen peninsula last year, professional golfer Paul McGinley and former Governor of Maryland, Martin O’Malley have been named as this year’s recipients of the prestigious 2018 Tip O’Neill Irish Diaspora Awards....
30/05/2018
Another major award for Niche Specialist Staffing Partners ...
Donegal business Niche Specialist Staffing Partners celebrated another milestone success at the weekend when they were named regional winners at the 20th annual National Enterprise Awards in Dublin....
31/05/2018
Creative Coast - Three Years On
We are hosting an afternoon as we consider the Creative Coast Strategy which was launched three years ago, looking at what has been done and give thought to the future as we develop the potential of creative industries in the county. ...
10/05/2018
Molly writes her way to history as pen business scoops national prize ...
A young student from Scoil Mhuire in Buncrana wowed the judges at the national Student Enterprise finals in Dublin last week, taking second place in the intermediate category....
30/04/2018
Website Launched to Celebrate Doengal's Food Businesses...
The launch of the Food Coast Website can help put Donegal food on a worldwide platform – but to be truly successful going forward, it will require your energy and enthusiasm. ...
23/04/2018
Create Your Food Story
Food businesses in Donegal will get an amazing opportunity to hear why and how they should craft their own ‘food story’ at an upcoming seminar in Rockhill House, Letterkenny, on April 30...
13/04/2018
€5,000 opportunity for ambitious Donegal businesses ...
Businesses attending an International Conference in Donegal on April 12 and 13 are being urged to submit a short market entry plan that could see them win a massive €5,000 in consultancy to help them develop their plan. ...
12/03/2018
Local Businesses Invited to sign up for US Trade Opportunity...
Are you considering the potential to trade your product or service to the US Market - if you're interested in finding out more contact us to find out about the upcoming Philadelphia and Boston Trade and Investment Mission. ...
15/02/2018
Local Enterprise Week 5th - 9th March 2018 ...
Businesses urged to look to the future... ...
23/01/2018
Donegal delight as two progress to National Finals of IBYE...
Donegal will have two businesses in the National Finals of the competition for Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur (IBYE) in March after Thomas McLaughlin of Tadáias and Ciara McGlynn from Niche Specialist Staffing Partners scooped their respective regional titles this week....
07/11/2017
Mayor launches ambitious plan for job creation in Donegal...
The Mayor of Donegal, Councillor Gerry McMonagle, has said he believes ambitious plans by Local Enterprise Office Donegal to help create 400 new jobs in the county between now and 2020, will receive widespread backing from the council. His comments came on Tuesday afternoon when the Cathaoirleach formally launched the Local Enterprise Office Development Plan 2017-2020 in the Public Services Centre in Letterkenny....
12/10/2017
National Women's Enterprise Day
The Local Enterprise Office network will host a series of events to celebrate and encourage female entrepreneurship across the country on the 12th October. Donegal Local Enterprise Office invite you to join us for an informative networking event. ...
20/10/2017
Tip O’Neill Awards Ceremony
The Gala Tip O’Neill Irish Diaspora Awards Ceremony will be held in An Grianán Hotel, Burt on Friday October 20th 2017...
28/09/2017
Innovation programme for businesses in the Food Sector...
Businesses in the food sector in Donegal will get the opportunity to participate in Innovation programme to help develop and manage an innovation strategy for their business. ...
02/08/2017
Building Craft & Design Enterprise Programme...
06/07/2017
Showcase Ireland 2018
Local Enterprise Office Donegal would like to offer three craft businesses the opportunity to take a stand space at Showcase Ireland 2018 in the RDS 21st – 24th January 2018. http://www.showcaseireland.com/ ...
23/06/2017
Investment fund opportunities for Donegal businesses...
Businesses in Donegal interested in product development, new export market opportunities or expanding on an innovative idea for their enterprise – may now be able to avail of new investment fund opportunities through the Local Enterprise Office....
12/06/2017
Delight as Doherty becomes World Chowder Champion...
Doherty won the World Chowder Cook-Off in Newport, Rhode Island on Saturday evening....
27/03/2017
Sharon McDaid wins Donegal Enterprise Awards 2017...
Carndonagh-based artist Sharon McDaid was the toast of the Donegal business community at the weekend when she claimed two top prizes at the hugely successful Local Enterprise Awards finals on Saturday night....
22/03/2017
Nine businesses shortlisted for Enterprise Awards 2017...
Nine businesses from across Donegal will compete for four highly-coveted prizes in the final of the 2017 Donegal Local Enterprise Awards in the Radisson Blu Hotel on Saturday night....
19/01/2017
Gillian wins young entrepreneur award at Regional Final...
Portnoo-based businesswoman Gillian Doyle was the toast of the business world in Donegal at the weekend after she scooped the Regional Award for Best Business Idea at the regional finals of Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur (IBYE) competition in Sligo....
24/01/2017
€7,000 to be won in Enterprise Awards ...
A total prize fund of €7,000 and a chance to compete in the national finals is up for grabs for Donegal businesses in this year's Donegal Enterprise Awards, and entries to the competition are now open....
17/01/2017
Five Reasons To Enter Donegal’s Enterprise Awards...
The Donegal Enterprise Awards are among the most prestigious awards a small business in the county can win, and with entries now open for the 2017 awards in March, if you are in business then entering is something you really should consider....
16/01/2017
Ruby Doodle and JoneCari off to Showcase
Two Donegal businesses Ruby Doodle and JoneCari will be at to Showcase 2017 at the RDS in Dublin
12/01/2017
Seal of approval for Donegal food champions...
Nine champions of Donegal Food are the first in the county to receive official approval to display the Donegal Food Coast Brand...
30/11/2016
Apply Now to the Donegal Business Awards 2017
Applications for the Donegal Business Awards
30/11/2016
€16.6 Million Worth of EU funding to Transform Cross-Border Business Research & Innovation welcomed ...
Donegal County Council has welcomed this weeks announcement from the Special EU Programmes Body that approximately €16.6m has been offered under the EU’s INTERREG VA Programme to develop the Research & Innovation capacity of over 1,400 SMEs on a cross-border basis, through the ‘Co-Innovate’ project. ...
17/11/2016
Big Business Breakfast - Sligo
The Big Business Breakfast is coming to the Sligo Thursday 24th November. The event with feature case studies, panel discussion and guest speaker Brody Sweeney. The event will be located in the Swan Room at the Glasshouse Hotel, Sligo from 8-11am. A complimentary breakfast will be Breakfast will be provided on the day....
17/11/2016
Letterkenny firm announces major expansion into US marketplace...
Letterkenny IT company, Gartan Technologies, has announced a major expansion into markets in the USA and Canada after forming a new partnership with US firm, Adashi Systems, based in Baltimore....
11/11/2016
O’Donnell’s Bakery and Irish Gap Year among Businesses on Trade Mission to Boston...
O’Donnell’s Bakery and Irish Gap Year will join 15 other businesses on a trade and investment mission to the United States this week. The businesses will join civic leaders and officials from across the northwest on the largest ever delegation to Boston, Massachusetts. ...
09/11/2016
North West Trade Delegation to Massachusetts...
Civic leaders, businesses and officials from the North West will be embarking on their largest ever delegation to Boston, Massachusetts later this month. ...
28/10/2016
Green Business Seminar in Letterkenny
Businesses in Donegal are being encouraged to attend a free Green Business seminar in Letterkenny to make savings and be more sustainable....
10/10/2016
Minister launches local programme for National Women’s Enterprise Day...
Minister launches local programme for National Women's Day. There will be seven events taking place around the country on the 19th October. ...
07/10/2016
Innovation was the topic of the day at the NICHE Launch Conference ...
The Donegal Local Enterprise Office hosted a unique conference the for local and international food businesses in Letterkenny on the 27th September 2016...
25/08/2016
Could you be the next Donegal Chowder Champion?...
The search is on for The Food Coast Donegal Chowder Champion 2016. Could you represent Donegal at the All Ireland Chowder Cook off in Kinsale in 2017...
10/08/2016
Donegal Local Enterprise Office companies ready to ‘plough ahead’ in September...
Two local Donegal companies are showcasing their products at this year’s Local Enterprise Village at the National Ploughing Championships....
31/08/2016
Donegal Businesses Could Benefit from More Strategic Approach to HR and Finance ...
Businesses in Donegal are putting themselves at risk and missing opportunities by failing to adopt a more strategic approach to finance and HR. ...
27/07/2016
Calling All Donegal Creative Businesses...
Local Enterprise Office Launches New Online Directory for Creative Sector in Donegal...
16/06/2016
Business leaders join forces to promote Female Entrepreneurs in Letterkenny...
On Thursday, June 23rd at the Radisson Hotel, Letterkenny, Enterprise Ireland and Network Ireland are hosting a networking event targeting female entrepreneurs. The "Fuelling Ambition" event is part of a national series to encourage female entrepreneurs, or those considering starting their own business, to be braver and more ambitious in their plans for growth and success...
17/11/2015
Global business opportunities open up for Irish SMEs through the Enterprise Europe Network...
Local Enterprise Offices gain access to global business network opportunities...
28/08/2015
Donegal Food Champions invited to apply for Food Coast Brand!...
Launch of the Food Coast Brand
12/08/2015
Enterprise Europe Network
The Enterprise Europe Network is the world's largest support network for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and helps Irish companies to make the most of business and technology opportunities in the EU and other major global markets....