Introduction
Donegal County Enterprise Board (DCEB) is the statutory agency for promoting entrepreneurship within Donegal and for promoting the formation of new and innovative businesses the county. The Directors of the Enterprise Board are drawn from the business and community sectors, social partners, elected representatives and other statutory agencies within county Donegal.
The Enterprise Board provides an integrated range of flexible and innovative services to businesses in Donegal. These include the business information service through which a wide range of information on establishing a business in Donegal can be accessed and practical advice received; a range of management development and business training programmes, often on across border basis; access to grant aid for new and existing businesses employing less than ten employees.
In addition to working directly with businesses in the county the Donegal Enterprise Board works with the national and second level schools in the county to promote and facilitate the development of an enterprise culture within the educational system in the county. The Board also engages in proactive campaigns to raise the profile and awareness of businesses in the county.
Directors
Currently the directors of Donegal County Enterprise Board are -
- Mr. Seamus Neely, County Manager, Donegal County Council
- Cllr. Ciaran Brogan, Donegal County Council
- Cllr. Cora Harvey, Donegal County Council
- Mr. Ivan Grier, ICOS/ICMSA/IFA/MF
- Mr. William Kelly, IBEC
- Mr. Cathal MacSuibhne, Údaras na Gaeltachta
- Mr. Garry Martin, Donegal County Enterprise Fund
- Mr. John McCarter, Private Business
- Mr. Vinnie McGroary, FÁS
- Mr. John McLaughlin, Community Representative
- Cllr. Seamus O'Domhnaill, Donegal County Council
- Cllr. John Ryan, Donegal County Council
- Ms. Catherine Sproule, Private Business
Evaluation Committee
As part of the process in considering a project for direct grant aid the Board is assisted by an evaluation committee. This committee considers each submitted application having due regard to general eligibility criteria, commercial viability, promoter capability, displacement of existing businesses and local economic added value.
The current members of the Donegal County Enterprise Board Evaluation Committee are:
- Ms. Deborah Maxwell (Chairperson)
- Cllr. Cora Harvey
- Ms. Méabh Conaghan
- Ms. Ann Foy
- Mr. Peter Smyth
- Mr. Padraig O Gallachoir
- Mr. Seamus Mc Menamin
- Mr. Michael Tunney
Staff Team
The Board’s policies and activities are delivered by a small and cohesive team comprising:
Michael Tunney, CEO, has overall responsibility for managing the Boards activities and resources. Michael is also involved in a number of strategic, regional and cross-border programmes and initiatives.
Ursula Donnelly, Assistant CEO, has primary responsibility for project assessments and grant claims as well as delivering one-to-one business advice.
Danny McEleney, Business Advisor, is responsible for management development and training programmes as well as delivering one-to-one business advice.
Cathy Slattery, Tradelinks Regional Co-ordinator, is responsible for the management and delivery of the Tradelinks 2 programme throughout the North & West Region and provides ongoing support to participating client companies at regional level.
Rachel Wasson, Office Manager, has responsibility for managing the day-to-day administration within the Board including reception, information provision, accounts, and grant administration.
Celine Carroll, Administrator, is responsible for the day-to-day administration within the Board including reception, information provision and programme administration including programme bookings.