We were fortunate enough to engage with Donncha through Enterprise Ireland’s New Frontiers Programme in LyIT. As ‘newbie’ business owners, Donncha’s business mentoring and guidance was instrumental in helping us establish our start-up venture. In the space of a few months, his expert commercial advice brought us from an early stage business idea to securing funding and private equity investment to include CSF support from Enterprise Ireland. Our idea is now becoming a reality!

Donncha, thank you so much for all your help, advice and encouragement through our journey so far. We certainly wouldn’t be in the position we are now if it wasn’t for you and we hope to continue working with you well into the future.

I first met Donncha through a GMIT Graduate Entrepreneurship programme just before we launched the business in 2015. He encouraged us to get started - he helped as we pulled together the initial business plan and financial projections. We keep in regular contact and Donncha has assisted at intervals to update our plan and to prepare for Pitches and Enterprise Competitions to include IBYE and the LEO National Enterprise Award which we won in 2019.

In 2019, Youth Work Ireland Tipperary engaged Donncha following a tender process, to undertake a feasibility study of a proposed social enterprise to be located in Thurles. We were impressed with the process and the output - an interim report and a final written report which provided the information required by Executive Management and the Board to make a decision on this project. The work plan included market research, stakeholder engagement, and development of a plan incorporating Operations, Personnel and Finance to include set up costs.

Donncha has been absolutely crucial to my business journey with Allergy Lifestyle. Donncha provided mentoring and invaluable strategic advice and guidance from start up, through the Lean Start up Programme, New Frontiers, CSF and HPSU.  I would have no hesitation in recommending Donncha as his expertise, skill sets and ability to work through any problems in a professional, competent manner would be an invaluable asset to any start up.

Just wanted to say thanks for everything with Showergem. Had the final review with EI today and they were very happy and said that the business plan was brilliant. A lot of that was thanks to you. Just a few days ago we also received word that we have being offered investment from the Competitive Startup Fund. Thanks for everything Donncha, definitely one of the best mentors that I have had to date and am very happy with the business plan that I have because of you.

New Frontiers Phase 2 Participant IT Sligo 2016/17