MEET THE TEAM - #MakingItHappen

Valerie Kelly – A/Head of Enterprise

Valerie has a background in business consultancy, banking and finance. She is a qualified financial advisor, and in the LEO, she provides advice and guidance to people that come to us who are starting their own business, already running an existing business or simply just have a business idea. Valerie also assesses clients’ business plans with their applications for financial assistance and present our recommendations to the committee level for sanctioning. Her role also involves event coordination, strategic development of enterprise activities and fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation in Galway city and county.

Caroline McDonagh – Enterprise Development Officer

Caroline has a background in philanthropy, festival organisation, marketing and Public Relations. Caroline is a Marketing Mentor and runs our networking sessions, specifically organised for the Craft, Food and I.T/Tech sectors, she goes to great trouble to make sure the topics, speakers and subjects are of interest to the clients. She is also involved in many of the Local Food & Craft Fairs, Food Festivals, GMIT and NUIG Strategy competitions that the LEO subsidises.

Eoin Connaire – Assistant Business Advisor

Eoin is the longest serving member of the team, having worked with the Galway County and City Enterprise Board. Eoin looks after our client base organises many of the administration functions of the office.