Ambition, a programme pioneered by Local Enterprise Office Donegal, has won the Diversity and Inclusion award at this year’s Excellence in Local Government Awards. The awards, which were held in Dublin recently, recognised the Ambition accelerator for its dedication and commitment to growing female entrepreneurship across the northwest. 

Ambition has won the Diversity and Inclusion award at this year’s Excellence in Local Government Awards. Pictured (l-r) are: Ian Talbot, Chief Executive, Chambers Ireland, Cllr. Gerry McMonagle, Brenda Hegarty Head of Enterprise Donegal, Angus Laverty, Public Affairs Manager, An Post, Anne Marie Conlon, Head of Economic Development with Donegal County Council and Garry Martin, Director of Economic Development, Information Systems and Emergency Services at Donegal County Council.

The award recognises the inclusive approach taken by the Local Enterprise Office in Donegal to seek out female founders interested in establishing businesses. Donegal is the first local authority in the country to offer a gender-specific business accelerator for women. 

Commenting on the award, Brenda Hegarty, Head of Enterprise Donegal said: “The Ambition accelerator programme provides Donegal female entrepreneurs with the tools and resources to create successful businesses and attain economic empowerment. This award is a great acknowledgement of the work Ambition does in Donegal. The programme was initiated to encourage more female entrepreneurs to start and grow businesses in Donegal.  The Ambition accelerator provides targeted support to female founders, and we’re delighted that it’s been recognised on a national stage.” 

The Ambition accelerator was recognised for its dedication and commitment to growing female entrepreneurship across the northwest.

Chief Executive, John G. McLaughlin said that "the AMBITION programme provides positive support to the Donegal economy and business community by encouraging female entrepreneurs. Women are an important part of business and the Donegal workforce, and it is important that all available supports and encouragement are provided to help people reach their full potential. The collaborative work of all involved has contributed to the success of the programme and it is great to see a Donegal County Council initiative promoting Diversity and Inclusion secure this national recognition."

Run by Local Enterprise Office Donegal, the Ambition programme’s success is anchored in the female entrepreneurs that have participated in the programme.

From the outset, the programme engaged with academic institutions and local enterprise development agencies, including Enterprise Ireland, IDA, New Frontiers, Údarás na Gaeltachta and the Donegal Women in Business Network. This collaborative effort provided a strong support network for the participants and helped create an environment where they could thrive.  The programme is facilitated by Helen Fullen of Alinea.  The Ambition programme’s success is anchored in the female entrepreneurs that have participated in the programme.

The Excellence in Local Government Awards are hosted by Chambers Ireland and are held each year to highlight best practice within local government. Now in its 20^th year, the Excellence in Local Government Awards featured a total of 94 Local Authority projects shortlisted over 15 categories.