"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 Microsoft—to bring the Proteus Controller to life.

In this episode, Brandon talks about the impact of strategic partnerships, the significance of their recent €1.5M investment, plans to scale into the US market, and the vital support of Enterprise Ireland. He also shares what it means to run a company that blends social impact with business growth, and offers valuable advice for aspiring social entrepreneurs.

ByoWave is on a mission to change the game in accessible tech—and Brandon’s insight into that journey is packed with lessons for founders at every stage.

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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 industry

Accepting that "good enough" can be a catalyst for progress

The evolving consumer attitudes towards sustainability

This episode offers valuable lessons for entrepreneurs and business leaders navigating growth, innovation, and change.

Visit https://www.biasol.ie/ to learn more about their product range.

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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 industry

Accepting that "good enough" can be a catalyst for progress

The evolving consumer attitudes towards sustainability

This episode offers valuable lessons for entrepreneurs and business leaders navigating growth, innovation, and change.

Visit https://www.biasol.ie/ to learn more about their product range.

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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 lessons learned along the way, and the pivotal moments that signaled her brand’s success. With International Women’s Day in mind, Gráinne also discusses how the business community can better support female entrepreneurs.

Tune in for insights into the balance between creativity and business leadership, the power of mentorship, and, of course, a quick-fire round to wrap it all up!

Listen now and satisfy your sweet tooth at grachocolates.com.

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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 entrepreneurial journey, reflecting on the struggles of raising investment in 2006 and how the investment landscape has evolved. She emphasizes the importance of being ambitious from day one, grasping opportunities, and recognizing that every opportunity is connected to a network.

Join us as we discuss investing in female founders, the power of networks, and accelerating action for gender equality ahead of International Women’s Day 2025. Plus, don’t miss our fun quick-fire round to wrap up the episode!

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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 sustainability through digital innovation.

Key highlights include:

• An introduction to Data2Sustain’s services, such as Business Model Development, 'Test-Before-Invest,' pilot projects, and skills training.
• The importance of combining tech and sustainability expertise to drive impactful change.
• Overcoming challenges like AI adoption and closing the digital skills gap.

Small businesses can often struggle to keep up with digital advances, so Data2Sustain is here to level the playing field. By providing access to technology and expert advice, the hub helps SMEs boost competitiveness, streamline their operations, and explore new growth opportunities.

For more information visit https://data2sustain.ie/ or contact WestBIC directly on https://www.westbic.ie/

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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 support.

Furthermore, Mary discusses the application process, offering valuable insights and tips for potential applicants to improve their chances of success. She also emphasises how WestBIC can support you throughout the process, from initial application to securing funding.

Mary's insights make this episode an invaluable resource for anyone considering applying for the Pre-Seed Start Fund, providing clarity and guidance on leveraging this opportunity for business growth and innovation.

To find out more about our unique service offerings, contact us at www.westbic.ie

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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, or simply exploring the entrepreneurial landscape for the first time, you're in the right place. Join us as we uncover practical strategies, dispense invaluable tips, and illuminate the path forward. From tackling initial hurdles to seizing promising opportunities, we're here to equip you with the knowledge and motivation essential for success. So, gear up with your entrepreneurial spirit and let's set sail on this exciting adventure together!

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In this episode Seamus McCormack, Area Manager at WestBIC delves into the profound impact of social enterprises in today's society. Join us as we discuss their benefits and highlight inspiring stories of positive change. Discover how social enterprises are reshaping our world, balancing financial success with social impact. It’s clear that social enterprises play a vital role in shaping a more inclusive and socially conscious economy. By balancing financial success with positive societal impact, social enterprises are contributing to a brighter and more sustainable future.  

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WestBIC's Alison McGonagle sits down with Anne Marie McLaughlin, Innovation Manager of the recently opened Inishowen Innovation (ii) in Buncrana, Co. Donegal, to discuss what the true benefits are of innovation hubs and facilities.

This episode explores:

• Can you have it all? Work-life balance - can you have a successful career or start up while being based in a more rural area as opposed to the bigger urban centres?
• The added benefits of an innovation centre or hub
• How Inishowen Innovation came to fruition
• Anne Marie's return back home from the States
• The continuous growth of innovation in Donegal
• The supports available in Donegal and the NorthWest region

Inishowen Innovation Website: https://theii.com/

Email: [email protected]

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