For Enterprise Agency Programme Managers who need assistance with Shortlisting Candidates, providing written and in person feedback on business plans, pitches and financial projections. I also undertake bespoke programme evaluation and impact studies.

External Independent Evaluation

I work with Enterprise Ireland on CSF, InterTrade Ireland on Seedcorn, and with several New Frontiers programmes to provide independent reviews of applications, business plans and financial projections. I also work with several LEOs to include Galway and Mayo and in NUIG with BioInnovate, BioExel and the Health Innovation Hub.

InterTrade Ireland Seedcorn Competition

Since 2016, Donncha was worked each year with by InterTrade Ireland (following a tender process) as a member of the Business Plan Review and Shortlisting panel for the Seedcorn competition. The shortlisted candidates attend a masterclasses and the Regional Finals.

I have a long association with Seedcorn as the image below will testify!

All-island Seedcorn competition - Briefing in LIT July 2008 — All-island Seedcorn competition – Briefing in LIT July 2008 with Grainne Lennon and Graham Royce.

Angel Investors

I can review business plans submitted to you by startups and SMEs – happy to work with your accountant during investment discussions.

Competitive Start Fund : Enterprise Ireland

Enterprise Ireland

I was delighted to be selected, in June 2012 following a tender submission, by Enterprise Ireland as a member of the External Evaluation Panel for the Competitive Start Fund – €50k equity investment to support eligible early stage start-up companies. The phase 1 evaluation is effectively a shortlisting and feedback service. CSF has been replaced by the Pre Seed Fund by Enterprise Ireland.

SCCUL Enterprise Awards

I was asked to be a Judge for the SCCUL Enterprise Awards in Galway in 2013, 2014 and 2015 .

Training Programme Evaluation

In 2013, I undertook a major review of the first two years of Ennis Innovate. The methodology included:

• A survey of participants (using a Google Form)

• Interviews with Board Members

• Interviews with Participants

Using the Kirkpatrick Four-Level Training Evaluation Model, the benefit to participants and the impact of the programme was assessed based on:

• Reaction – The degree to which the learners liked the learning process will be assessed by reviewing Feedback sheets and other records (and via discussion with the Director).

• Learning – The extent to which the learners perceive that they have gained valuable knowledge and skills will be assessed during interviews and via the questionnaire.

• Behavior – The changes in ‘job performance’ resulted from the learning process will also be assessed during interviews and the questionnaire- reflection on progress made in the journey towards startup by participants will be asked of all stakeholders to include reflection by participants (and their teams) on how they have benefited.

• Results – Measurement of tangible results of the Ennis Innovate programme with regard to stated Outputs for clients depending on their stage of development.

Kirkpatrick’s model is an excellent monitoring, evaluating, and future planning tool. The final report, presented to the Board in September 2013, included analysis of the impact of the programme in terms of Jobs Created, Combined Turnover and other metrics.