MEDIA RELEASE

28/03/25

Seán Fay Named First LEO Dublin City Disability Ambassador

Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Dublin City is proud to announce Seán Fay, founder of Whole Village Hiring (#WholeVillageHiring™), as its first-ever Disability Ambassador. Seán is a pioneering entrepreneur whose mission is to encourage more individuals with disabilities to explore entrepreneurship and avail of LEO support to help them succeed.

Whole Village Hiring is an innovative platform designed to help companies access talent that may be in the job market but not actively searching. The company was awarded a Feasibility Grant in 2023 and has also been approved for an IP Start Grant, underscoring its potential for impact and innovation.

Driving Change for Disability Employment in Ireland

Seán's appointment as Disability Ambassador comes at a crucial time, as Ireland currently has the lowest level of disability employment in the EU27, with an employment rate of just 32.6% – almost 20% below the EU average. Seán hopes his role will inspire others to harness their unique perspectives and skills to drive meaningful change in the entrepreneurial landscape.

"Hopefully, more people with any type of disability will think about using their difference to make a difference. There is too much focus on the structure of a company, whether it's 'not for profit' or otherwise. A better yardstick is the impact you make—what dent can you put in the universe, and what did you achieve in the dash between your dates," said Seán.

LEO Dublin City is committed to building a more inclusive and accessible business environment, where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

A Trailblazer in Entrepreneurship

With a background in recruitment, executive search, and technology, Seán has founded six companies across Ireland and the UK. His first business venture was in recruitment process outsourcing for Vodafone UK, where he led technology hiring. His entrepreneurial journey has since spanned multiple industries, including fintech, talent mobility, and now, Whole Village Hiring.

“Being an immigrant founder comes with challenges, and being a neurodivergent immigrant founder adds another layer of complexity,” he explains. “Ireland's indirect culture contrasts with my direct, fact-driven nature, but I see a massive opportunity for Irish tech companies to leverage foreign direct investment (FDI) firms to tap into global supply chains connected to the USA.”

Innovative Disruption & Unique Solutions

Whole Village Hiring operates on a "Service as Software" model, aiming to disrupt traditional hiring and relocation industries. The platform has already demonstrated its value by successfully completing executive search projects for a Nasdaq-listed client, outperforming established US recruitment firms.

Seán's company also explores novel solutions to housing and employment challenges, including talent mobility initiatives that have relocated individuals from the USA to India and even facilitated the relocation of female rocket scientists to Scotland.

LEO Supports & Future Plans

Seán's journey with LEO Dublin City has been pivotal in his business's growth.

"Engaging with support services has always been a challenge for me, however, my experience with Cathy, my Business Advisor at the LEO, was entirely different. She was happy to review what I had created, allowed me to talk through my plans and was genuinely open to new ideas” he shared.

Whole Village Hiring has leveraged the Feasibility Grant to partner with a Dublin-based firm to develop an enterprise version of the platform. This collaboration also supports another Irish startup focused on food redistribution and carbon offsetting.

Looking ahead, Seán aims to further develop the platform to tackle key hiring challenges, including gender diversity in STEM roles, cost-effective recruitment, and addressing skills shortages without relying on work permits.

Encouraging Future Entrepreneurs

LEO Dublin City encourage individuals with disabilities who are interested in starting a business to reach out for support.

For more information, visit the Self-Employment Supports for People with Disabilities section on the LEO Dublin City website or contact our team directly.

We are here to help you take the next step on your entrepreneurial journey.

ENDS

For further information, contact:

Dublin City Council Media Relations Office

press@dublincity.ie 

https://twitter.com/DubCityCouncil        www.facebook.com/DublinCityCouncil

OR

Local Enterprise Office Dublin City

T: (01) 222 5611

E: info@leo.dublincity.ie