Business, Innovation & Opportunities Across Inishowen and the North West
Hello and welcome to the July edition of the ii Update, bringing together upcoming events, business supports, funding opportunities, training and research relevant to businesses and professionals in Inishowen and the wider North West.
📍What’s Happening at the ii
In-person ii event | SPEAR Centre SME Engagement Roadshow | Workshop for SMEs interested in exploring photonics and AI-driven solutions | Tuesday 7 July | Event Details and Registration
In-person ii event | Grow Remote Inishowen: Coworking Day | Wednesday 15 July | Leave the house for the day, get a discounted desk, free breakfast, and an opportunity to meet other remote and hybrid workers | Event Details and Tickets
Online event | Connected Hubs | Lean for Longer: Practical Ways to Grow Without Increasing Costs | A practical online event exploring three ways to grow capacity without significantly increasing costs: access to senior expertise through fractional leadership, practical use of AI, and internships and graduate placements | Wednesday 22 July | Event Details and Tickets
💰 Funding, Investment & Growth Supports
InterTradeIreland: SupplyChain+ Programme | A new all-island programme helping SMEs strengthen supply chain capability and resilience through mentoring, expert guidance and tailored planning. Learn more here.
InterTradeIreland: New WeVenture Programmes for Women Researchers | New programmes are now open to help women researchers across the island explore and develop the commercial potential of their research. The WeVenture Ideation and Pre-Commercialisation programmes are open for applications now. Learn more here.
💡 Skills Development Supports
📑Fully Funded Digital Skills Courses
The North West Digital Employment Pathways Training Hub (NW DEPTH) is offering flexible, fully funded digital and cybersecurity training, with courses covering AI, cybersecurity, data analytics, advanced manufacturing, digital media, and ICT. New course intakes are expected from September 2026. View available NW DEPTH programmes.
ATU Higher Certificate in Business – Part-Time Study
This part-time Level 6 programme starts in September and may be of interest to anyone looking to gain a recognised business qualification while continuing to work. Further information on this and other part-time courses eligible for SUSI funding: SUSI Part-time – Atlantic Technological University.
🖥️ Digital Literacy Certificate – Expression of Interest
Donegal ETB is exploring demand for delivery of the IC3 Digital Literacy Certificate programme in Buncrana, potentially at inishowen innovation (ii). The fully funded 20-week Skills for Work course is aimed at employees, employers and self-employed people looking to improve their confidence and practical digital skills. If you would like to see this opportunity offered here, please complete this form: Expression of Interest: Level 1 Digital Literacy
⭐ Help Shape Future Business Supports
All-Island SME AI Adoption, Opportunities, and Impact Research 2026 | How is your business actually using AI, and what support would make a difference? InterTradeIreland is inviting SMEs across Ireland and Northern Ireland to contribute to new research into AI adoption, opportunities and barriers. Participants will receive a personalised AI readiness score. Complete the survey here.
Rural Business Digitalisation & Succession Survey | Munster Technological University is asking for input from rural SMEs as part of the EU Interreg-funded BOCOD project exploring digitalisation, business continuity, and succession planning in rural businesses. The survey will help shape practical supports and tools for rural enterprises. Complete the survey here.
Help Shape the Future of Female Entrepreneurship | Researchers from ATU, Ulster University, and University of Galway are exploring the experiences, challenges, and opportunities facing women in business across the North West. The research, part of the Atlantic Futures Shared Island initiative will help inform future supports and strengthen the regional entrepreneurial ecosystem. Complete the survey here.
Please feel free to reach out via LinkedIn or info@theii.com if you’d like to host an event at the ii, discuss membership or partnership options, or share an opportunity with our network.
