Take a look at what’s coming up this month — and don’t miss your chance to get involved!
October is shaping up to be a busy and exciting month for businesses, entrepreneurs, and community initiatives across Inishowen, Donegal, and Derry. From funding opportunities and accelerator programmes to workshops, networking events, and environmental initiatives, there’s something for everyone looking to grow their business, connect with peers, or make a positive impact locally.
Here are the highlights – scroll down for details
- 7 October deadline: NextWave Accelerator for Women Entrepreneurs
- 8 October deadline: Lead2Grow for Donegal & Derry Companies
- 14 October, IDP Office, Buncrana: Pension Auto Enrolment Workshop
- 15 October, online: Pre-Seed Start Fund (PSSF) Webinar Workshop
- 15 October, Buncrana Library: ECO Buncrana Launch
- 16 October, Letterkenny National Women’s Enterprise Day – Making it Happen
- 17 October deadline: Inishowen Digital Transformation Survey
- 22 October, online: Understanding Ireland’s New Auto-Enrolment Pension Scheme
- 30 October, inishowen innovation, Buncrana: ii Social Meetup
Women Entrepreneurs
WestBIC is proud to support NextWave, Enterprise Ireland‘s new national accelerator exclusively for women founders, delivered by the Irish BICs.
This isn’t just another programme. It’s 10 weeks of focused intensity designed for women entrepreneurs ready to validate, build, and scale with real momentum.
If you’re a woman founder with an MVP, a clear value proposition addressing a real problem, and global ambition, this programme was built with you in mind: You’re seeking pre-seed or seed investment. You’re ready for an intensive, challenging experience. And you’re committed to scaling and creating jobs in Ireland.
Applications close 7th October 2025. Don’t wait, apply now: https://www.enterprise-ireland.com/en/supports/next-wave
Companies across Donegal and Derry!
Apply now for The Lead2Grow programme through the North West City Region to access funding, mentoring and growth support. Whether you’re a start-up or established business, if you operate in Derry, Donegal or anywhere in between, we strongly encourage you to apply!
Lead2Grow is a pilot programme designed to empower ambitious CEOs and Managing Directors with the skills, insights, and strategies to scale their businesses. Delivered in partnership with IESE Business School, New York, one of the world’s top-ranked institutions, the programme brings together business leaders from Donegal, Derry & Strabane to learn from world-class academics and industry experts.
What’s on offer:
- Expert mentorship & coaching
- Access to networks & partnerships
- Financial support to scale
- Strategic guidance to expand into new markets
Why apply? This is your chance to plug into a regional growth ecosystem bridging both sides of the border and the USA.
📅 Don’t miss out — apply before 8th October 12:00 noon
🔗 https://irelandnw.com/lead2grow/
Inishowen Employers! Are you ready for Pension Auto Enrolment?
Join Inishowen Development Partnership for a FREE training workshop designed to help local employers understand their responsibilities and prepare their teams.
📍 IDP Offices, Buncrana
🕕 14 October 2025 – 6:00pm
Link to Book: https://forms.office.com/e/ZyBK9r4zkm
✅ Learn what actions you need to take
✅ Discover how to keep your staff informed
✅ Get your questions answered in our Q&A
Spaces are limited—secure your spot today!
ECO Buncrana Strategy & Action Plan launch event
DATE: 15 October
TIME: 10am until 12.30pm
VENUE: Buncrana Library, St. Mary’s Road, Buncrana
Building on the area’s existing environmental initiatives, the ECO Buncrana Strategy & Action plan outlines a roadmap for Buncrana’s journey toward a more sustainable future, with community-led development at its core.
The launch event will feature a series of mini workshops, including sessions on food preservation, care and repair, crafting with waste fabrics, and planting community fruit trees. Following the workshops, participants will be invited to join action-focused conversations to spark ideas and involvement in key projects. Refreshments and lunch will be served, and the event will conclude around 12:30–1:00 PM.
You can book your place through this link or email rachel@inishowen.ie (include any dietary requirements). https://forms.office.com/e/9hnrMNxeY5
Pre-Seed Start Fund (PSSF) Webinar Workshop
Wednesday 15 October | 11:00am – 1:00pm | Online
WestBIC, in partnership with Enterprise Ireland, will host a virtual workshop for potential applicants to the Pre-Seed Start Fund (PSSF) – a fund designed to help early-stage start-ups accelerate growth and reach key milestones required to secure future Seed Funding within 6-18 months. The session will include:
- An overview of the PSSF and its objectives
- A walkthrough of the application form and process
- Guidance on eligibility and next steps for interested applicants
Who should attend: Founders with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) or beta version, clear market validation, an execution plan, evidence of innovation and global growth potential and a skilled team.
👉 Register Here
🔗 Learn more about the Pre-Seed Start Fund
National Women’s Enterprise Day 2025 – Making It Happen
Venue: Mount Errigal Hotel, Letterkenny
Date: Thursday 16 October 2025
Time: 5.30pm – 9.30pm (Registration and networking buffet from 5.30pm)
Hosted by: Local Enterprise Office Donegal
This year’s theme, “Making It Happen”, is all about empowering women in business to take action, overcome challenges, and realise their ambitions — no matter what stage of their business journey they’re on.
Local Enterprise Office Donegal has curated an exciting evening of talks, networking, and shared experiences to celebrate the creativity, courage, and resilience of women entrepreneurs in our region.
Why You Should Attend
- Network with other women in business from across Donegal
- Learn from the lived experiences of successful female entrepreneurs
- Connect with LEO advisors and business mentors
- Enjoy a relaxed buffet and meaningful conversations
👉 Registration: https://www.localenterprise.ie/Donegal/Training-Events/Online-Bookings/NWED-2025.html
Understanding Ireland’s New Auto-Enrolment Pension Scheme with HR Team
Wednesday 22 October 2025 | 12:00 – 12:30pm | Online Webinar
Join HR Team Directors Breda Cullen and Martina McAuley for an interactive Q&A session on Ireland’s upcoming Auto-Enrolment Pension Scheme, set to launch in 2026. This concise, information-packed webinar will help employers and HR professionals understand the new legislation, employer responsibilities, and practical steps to prepare.
What you’ll learn:
• Overview and timeline of the auto-enrolment system
• Eligibility and employee criteria
• Opt-out rules and exemptions
• Employer obligations, contributions, and compliance
• Integrating with existing pension schemes
• Payroll and HR process changes
• How to get your business ready
👉 Don’t miss this essential session: Register Here
ii Social Meetup
Thursday 30 October 2025 | 5–7PM | ii – inishowen innovation, Buncrana
Escape the isolation of working from home and connect with like-minded entrepreneurs, freelancers, and remote workers!
Why Attend:
- Break the routine with face-to-face time
- Share experiences and gain insights
- Network naturally in a relaxed setting
What to Expect:
- Casual, no-pressure meetup
- No sales pitches – just conversation
- Opportunities to meet collaborators or mentors
RSVP to let us know you’re coming – and bring a friend!
Reminder! Inishowen Businesses- we’re still gathering responses for the Inishowen Digital Survey – and we want to hear from you! It only takes 10 minutes – and your feedback will help shape upcoming digital training and supports in the region.
Take the Survey Here
Whether you’re a business owner, entrepreneur, or community member, October offers plenty of ways to learn, grow, and connect. Make sure to mark your calendar, register early for workshops and webinars, and take part in surveys that help shape local supports. Stay engaged, seize the opportunities, and be part of the exciting initiatives happening across Inishowen, Donegal, and Derry this month!
