Each episode on the WestBIC podcast we discuss an entrepreneurial topic and delve deeper into what it takes to be a successful startup in Ireland. Featuring guest expert speakers and entrepreneurs with start-ups at various stages who will give their insights and experiences of the startup process. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, Alison McGonagle from WestBIC sits down with Evelyn Mc Glynn, entrepreneur, author, trainer and business coach with a passion for empowering women in business, building strong networks and encouraging a culture of giving across both business and community. Evelyn's own story is one of resilience and reinvention: after 20 years as a stay-at-home mum, she launched her marketing…
What does it actually take to scale a small business without burning out, losing focus, or watching another business plan gather dust in a drawer? We recently sat down with Rebecca Lyons, founder of BEXL and creator of The Momentum Map, to get into exactly that. Her advice for overwhelmed founders is refreshingly simple: tackle one thing at a time, and turn off your emails for an hour to actually…
In this episode of WestBIC’s Enterprising Podcast , Greg Heaslip breaks down the practical side of using AI in business. From understanding different AI models to crafting effective prompts using the CLEAR framework, Greg shares actionable insights for entrepreneurs looking to leverage AI tools intelligently. He discusses why human judgement remains essential when working with AI, and explores how…
"Be very confident about your own pillars and reasons for doing what you are doing. But be prepared and actively seek to be challenged." – Brandon Blacoe, CEO & Co-Founder, ByoWave This month on WestBIC’s Enterprising Podcast , we catch up with Brandon Blacoe, who first joined us in 2022, just as ByoWave was emerging from the Beta phase and forging exciting partnerships—including one with…
In the latest episode of WestBIC’s Enterprising Podcast , we welcome back Ruairi Dooley, co-founder of BiaSol , to reflect on the company’s growth over the past three years. Ruairi shares key moments in BiaSol’s journey, insights into innovation and investment, and the realities of building a sustainable business in today’s market. Key themes discussed include: Keeping pace with trends in the food…
In this episode of WestBIC’s Enterprising Podcast , host Colleen Baxter sits down with Gráinne Mullins, the award-winning pastry chef turned entrepreneur behind Grá Chocolates . Gráinne shares her journey from working in Michelin-starred kitchens to building a luxury chocolate brand renowned for its artistry and quality. She opens up about the challenges of scaling a premium handmade product, the…
In this episode of WestBIC’s Enterprising Podcast , Mary Ryan, Deputy CEO of WestBIC sits down with Mary McKenna. Mary is a Donegal-based entrepreneur, angel investor, and co-founder of AwakenHub—a social enterprise dedicated to supporting women founders across Ireland. She is also the Chair of AwakenAngels, Ireland’s first and only all-island, women-led investment community. Mary shares her…
In today’s tech-driven world, keeping up with digital trends can feel overwhelming, especially for smaller businesses and public organisations. But that’s where Data2Sustain steps in. In this episode, John Brennan, CEO of WestBIC, and Mike Conroy, Director of Data2Sustain, unpack the critical role of Data2Sustain, a European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH), in helping businesses transition toward…
In this episode, Mary Ryan, Deputy CEO at WestBIC, delves into the specifics of Enterprise Ireland's Pre-Seed Start Fund. She provides a comprehensive overview of the fund, explaining its purpose and the crucial role it plays in nurturing early-stage start-ups. Mary details the eligibility criteria, outlining who can apply and the types of projects and entrepreneurs the fund is designed to…
In this episode, Padraig Considine from Professional Accounting Solutions sheds light on the journey of enterprising individuals venturing into the dynamic realm of entrepreneurship. He delves deep into tailored business insights crafted specifically for those initiating their entrepreneurial odyssey. Whether you're venturing into startup territory, transforming a passion project into a business,…