Mid Ulster Enterprise Week

We were delighted to provide our support to Mid Ulster District Council during Enterprise Week 2023! Last week (13-17 November), more than 700 individuals actively participated in the Council's fifth #EnterpriseWeek. They engaged in 11 free events, both online and in person, focusing on guiding businesses to 'Challenge, Adapt, Succeed' in today's dynamic economic environment.

Councillor Dominic Molloy, the Chair of the Council, expressed his satisfaction with the strong turnout and active involvement of businesses throughout the week. He remarked, "The participation of local businesses in this year's Mid Ulster Enterprise Week is the highest since its inception in 2019. This clearly reflects the resonance of the theme, 'Challenge, Adapt, Succeed,' with local businesses and underscores the Council's unwavering commitment to continually deliver and support the sector."

 

 

Dungannon Considers Chamber of Trade and Industry to Boost Business Community.

Dungannon's business community is exploring the idea of establishing a Chamber of Trade and Industry to enhance economic growth and collaboration among local businesses. A public meeting will be held on Tuesday, 27th June at 7:00 pm in Dungannon Rugby Club to discuss the merits and potential benefits of this initiative.

Dungannon has experienced significant economic success in manufacturing, particularly in the food and engineering sectors. However, infrastructure challenges and job vacancies persist. To address these issues and capitalise on the town's potential, the business community aims to establish a Chamber of Trade and Industry.

The chamber's primary objective will be to facilitate networking, advocacy, economic development, and support for local businesses. It will provide a platform for businesses to connect and collaborate, fostering valuable relationships, idea exchange, and potential partnerships. Additionally, the chamber will advocate for pro-business policies, infrastructure development, and favourable economic conditions.

Establishing a Chamber of Trade and Industry will contribute to Dungannon's economic development by promoting the town as an attractive destination for investment, tourism, and business relocation. The chamber will offer resources and support, including business education programs, workshops, and guidance on registration and compliance.

Collaboration will be encouraged through partnerships, joint ventures, and shared initiatives, promoting resource sharing, cost savings, and innovative solutions to common challenges faced by businesses in Dungannon.

The public meeting on Tuesday, 27th June provides an opportunity for stakeholders to contribute to the discussion on establishing a Chamber of Trade and Industry. Guest speakers on the night include Glyn Roberts, Retail NI, Stephen Kelly, Manufacturing NI, Roisin McAliskey, Federation of Small Business and Colm Shannon – Past CEO of Newry Chamber of Commerce.

To reserve a seat due to limited capacity and safety reasons, interested individuals can contact Mandy at mandy@dungannonenterprise.com.

Nurturing Creativity and Entrepreneurship: St. Joseph's Grammar School Collaborates with Cafe Culture for a Frappe Workshop.

In an ever-evolving world, nurturing creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurial skills among young minds is paramount. Recognizing the importance of practical learning experiences, St. Joseph's Grammar School recently joined forces with Cafe Culture in Donaghamore for an exciting workshop designed and facilitated by Dungannon Enterprise Centre that challenged students to ideate, design, and pitch a new flavor of frappe. This unique collaboration provided students with a hands-on opportunity to unleash their creativity, learn about the intricacies of product development, and experience the thrill of entrepreneurship.

This immersive experience allowed the students to gain valuable insights into the complexities of product development, including considerations such as flavor balance, ingredient sourcing, and customer preferences. The workshop provided a glimpse into the intricate process of creating a product that not only satisfies customers' palates but also aligns with business objectives and market demands.

After the creative process of developing the frappe flavors, it was time for the students to channel their inner entrepreneurs and pitch their creations to a panel of judges. This stage of the workshop provided an opportunity for the students to refine their presentation skills, articulate their unique selling points, and defend their flavor choices.

Each student team brought their vision to life, presenting their frappe flavors with enthusiasm and conviction. The judges, comprised of Cafe Culture's representatives and school faculty, provided valuable feedback and constructive criticism to enhance the students' pitching skills and product ideas.

St. Joseph's Grammar School, Donaghmore and Cafe Culture workshop went beyond creating new frappe flavors. It nurtured entrepreneurial mindsets, teaching students the importance of creativity, adaptability, teamwork, and resilience in the business world. The experience allowed them to understand the challenges and rewards of bringing an idea to fruition, cultivating skills that extend beyond the classroom.

The workshop fostered an entrepreneurial spirit, encouraging students to think innovatively, embrace risk-taking, and consider the broader implications of their ideas. It provided a safe space for them to explore their passions, learn from failure, and develop the essential skills needed to succeed in a dynamic and competitive world.

The collaboration between St. Joseph's Grammar School and Cafe Culture for the frappe workshop was an enriching experience that empowered students to unleash their creativity, immerse themselves in the world of entrepreneurship, and gain invaluable insights into product development. Through this unique initiative, the students learned to think critically, collaborate effectively, and embrace their entrepreneurial spirit.

Dungannon Enterprise Centre Hosts its first Business Boost Breakfast, Promoting Networking and Collaboration Opportunities for Local Businesses.

Wednesday 17th May marked the successful commencement of the first-ever Business Boost Breakfast, a dynamic event organised and sponsored by Dungannon Enterprise Centre. The event brought together a diverse group of business owners and organizations, both familiar faces and newcomers, in an effort to foster connections, expand networks, explore potential collaborations and encourage the ethos of CSI – cultural, social and innovation to boost business development and growth.

The event commenced with a warm welcome from Claire Gamble, a business advisor specialising in guiding businesses from the initial idea stage to sustained growth. Claire expressed her enthusiasm for the event and emphasized its objective of connecting with local businesses while providing them with valuable learning opportunities.

With an impressive line-up of attendees, participants were encouraged to maximize the event by capitalizing on the prospect of forming valuable connections and exposing new opportunities.

The event also featured an expert guest speaker, Niamh McAuley from Purple Dot Media, who shared her wealth of knowledge and experience in video marketing. Attendees were captivated as Niamh delved into the secrets and tools essential for staying ahead of video marketing trends in the ever-evolving business landscape.

Throughout the morning, attendees were encouraged to engage in networking, exchanging ideas, and learning from one another. The event provided ample opportunities for participants to replenish their beverages and continue networking, fostering an atmosphere conducive to meaningful connections and shared learning.

Dungannon Enterprise Centre is a renowned business hub providing comprehensive support and guidance to entrepreneurs and established businesses alike. With a commitment to fostering growth and development, the centre organises impactful events, training opportunities and initiatives that strengthen the local business community.

Celebrating Brian MacAuley's 30 Years at Dungannon Enterprise Centre: A Legacy of Empowerment and Growth

In today's fast-paced business landscape, where success is often measured by quarterly reports and profit margins, it is rare to find someone who has dedicated three decades of their life to fostering entrepreneurship and community development. Brian MacAuley, a true visionary and a beacon of inspiration, has recently celebrated an incredible milestone—30 years of unwavering commitment to the Dungannon Enterprise Centre. This remarkable achievement not only highlights his enduring dedication but also showcases the lasting impact he has had on the lives of countless individuals and the local business ecosystem.

Throughout his tenure, Brian MacAuley has served as the driving force behind the Dungannon Enterprise Centre, spearheading initiatives that have transformed the region into a hub of innovation and economic prosperity. Under his leadership, the center has flourished, providing invaluable resources, guidance, and opportunities to budding entrepreneurs and established businesses alike.

Brian's infectious passion for entrepreneurship has been instrumental in nurturing a culture of growth and resilience within the community. Through various programs, workshops, and mentoring initiatives, he has empowered countless individuals to transform their dreams into thriving enterprises. The impact of his tireless efforts can be seen in the success stories that have emerged from the center over the past three decades.

Brian MacAuley's 30 years at the Dungannon Enterprise Centre is a testament to his remarkable commitment, visionary leadership, and profound impact on the local business ecosystem. His unwavering dedication to fostering entrepreneurship, creating a supportive community, and navigating challenges with resilience has transformed the lives of countless individuals and shaped the future of Dungannon.

As we celebrate this momentous milestone, let us applaud Brian's achievements and express our heartfelt gratitude for his invaluable contributions.

We are pleased to announce that The Space @ Market Square has been approved as the first drone landing pad zone in County Tyrone.

The Space , next to Ranfurley House in the Market Square Dungannon, is a new event space made from refurbished steel containers and its roof is ideal for drones to land and takeoff.

The Canadian technology firm operating the drones – Lirpa One – said “landing and taking off on steel containers is ideal plus the fact that the space is located in an area of high population perfect to meet the demand.

CEO of Dungannon Enterprise Centre, who manages The Space said “this is the future for retailing and logistics. Residents will be able to order from their sofas and have their goods delivered directly to their back garden in a matter of minutes. Whether it is groceries, fast-food orders or even a valentines gift to a loved one, the 23 drones will operate 24 hours a day from the roof of The Space”.

Concerns have been raised about the potential of the drones interfering with the telecom mast on the Hill of O’Neill however it is planned to divert all drone traffic away from the historical site.

Publicans in the town are cynical that the new initiative will take off. Only alcohol can be transported during the licensing hours and in plastic bottles for safety reasons.

One resident who which not be named expressed concerns about the endless buzzing from the drones. Spokesperson for Lirpa One said “Concerned residents have been offered free delivery if they leave their windows open”

We are so excited for this project to lift off! #DroneinDungannon

 

Rise & Shine, A Spotlight on Female Community Leaders

Dungannon Enterprise had hosted a brilliant morning in the Junction, Dungannon for our Rise & Shine event early December 2022.

Host Denise Murtagh and Guest Speakers, Veronica Morris , Chief Executive of Rural Support, Chara Clarke , founder and CEO of GLOW NI, and Claire O’Hanlon , Business and Mindset Coach and creator of the School for Quiet Leaders, were joined with pupils from St. Josephs Grammar School, Donaghmore and a host of female community / third sector workers.

An inspiring morning listening to 3 amazing women about their journey, passion and drive to do good within the community / third sector across NI. This event highlighted these impressive women and the amazing work that they do within their local communities and also for all across NI. They chatted about the highs and lows of working within their different organisations, what their spark was to get up and go and to create a sustainable contribution to society.

Be sure to check out our SHINE project website where you have free access to the resources created which have been created to help empower and develop women on a leadership journey within the Third Sector. The resources can be adapted in any way as group work or even as an individual: https://www.shineproject.eu/

 

Dungannon Enterprise Centre hosted the first ever ECAFE event in Dungannon last December. It was a fantastic event going through the amazing resources the project partners have been creating over the last 2 years, to help support and grow entrepreneurial mindset, skills and attributes. We also had a special guest from Carma Coffee a new and upcoming business here in the Mid Ulster region, we heard from Aaron one of the owners about the highs and lows of his entrepreneurial journey from working in engineering to creating a one touch coffee machine. Carma Coffee - Kinder Coffee. That's Carma.

The ECAFE experience is a fantastic opportunity for networking and learning, listening to other likeminded individuals.

Check out the website https://www.enterprisecafe.eu/ where you can avail of the ECAFE resources on how to set up and host your own event.

 

We've been shortlisted! #CommunityAward
The team at Dungannon Enterprise Centre are beyond delighted to be shortlisted for the FSB Celebrating Small Business Awards in Northern Ireland.

About the FSB Awards:
FSB celebrate the achievements and contributions of small businesses and the self-employed across the UK.  As the largest event of its kind in the small business calendar, the high-profile FSB Celebrating Small Business Awards are free to enter and open to all.

With winners from each category securing a spot at the prestigious UK final and a chance to be crowned the UK Small Business of the Year, it’s an opportunity for widespread recognition. Entrants will be judged by a panel of leading business experts with a wealth of experience in their industry.

We are so excited to attend The Northern Ireland final on 5th April 2023 at The Crowne Plaza, Belfast.
Northern Ireland (fsbawards.co.uk)

Hack It 2023 was launched  with a resounding success this week. This Student Hackathon Challenge is the first of its kind in the region and brought together 50 bright young minds from diverse backgrounds and schools across Mid Ulster, including Sperrin Integrated College,  Drumglass High School, St Joseph’s Donaghmore, St Patrick’s College, Dungannon and Cookstown High School.

The young people participating worked at a record pace to generate lots of amazing ideas on how to tackle environmental and waste problems on the Blackwater River. On the day, the judges selected the Year 9 team from St Joseph’s, Donaghmore as the 2023 Hackathon winners.

The project is a great example of cultural and social innovation in practice and supports young people to develop their resilience, communication skills and teamwork to support their path to employability.

To find out more about the Hackathon process and how it can be adapted to help solve problems and come up with unique solutions follow us on social media and check out the below website for the resources already created, and for the Hackathon guide coming soon:

https://www.csi-project.eu/

£70k Grant from Dormant Accounts helps secure future development of Dungannon Enterprise Centre

In the latest round of grants awarded from the Dormant Accounts Fund NI, 15 voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector organisations have received their share of £1,248,814 to support their long-term future.

Thanks to Dormant Accounts Fund NI and The National Lottery Community Fund for supporting our organisation, Dungannon Enterprise Centre.

Dormant Accounts Fund NI supports the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector in Northern Ireland to be more resilient and prepared for the future by funding activity that increases capacity and sustainability. The Fund supports VCSE organisations to adapt to future challenges and be more financially resilient.

Dungannon Enterprise Centre will use their £70,940 grant to develop their staff, operations and finance processes to future-proof the organisation. Over three years the project will enhance their business model, upgrade their website and online business platform, develop a marketing plan, implement a new financial management system, and deliver training for staff and board. The project will also research renewable energy systems to install in the centre.

Delivered by The National Lottery Community Fund in conjunction with the Department of Finance, the Dormant Accounts Fund NI supports organisations to be more resilient and prepared for the future by funding activity that increases capacity and sustainability.

Plans are now being made for the activities to be run in The Space during 2023.

The Space opened for trading in mid-September last year and since then has accommodated

5 Saturday craft markets, 2 sustainability theme markets,

a pop up cinema night, a twilight market, a primary school Christmas market, a Halloween themed children’s’ event, a traditional Christmas fairground supporting the town’s Christmas Light Switch on event and finally 4 children’s story telling events run by Dungannon Library Services.

Overall 36 different exhibitors have attended the various market events run in the Space and it is hoped to expand on this in 2023.

In all there have been over 3,000 visitors to the various events run in The Space and we plan to build on this with many new events to attract people to the town centre.

If you would like to more about the Space contact mandy@dungannonenterprise.com

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