Local Enterprise Week - Raising Finance - Thursday 7th March 2024

Our expert panel of speakers for this event includes Oisin Geoghegan, Head of Enterprise at Local Enterprise Office Fingal,  Deirdre O’Neill, Senior Regional Development Executive at Enterprise Ireland, Des McCarthy, CEO of Microfinance Ireland, Catherine Collins, Head of Credit Review at the Credit Review Office, Shane O’Hanlon, Funding for Growth Manager at InterTradeIreland, Ray Molloy, Branch Manager of AIB Swords.and Amanda Germaine, Head of Originations at Linked Finance.

You can learn more about our panel for this event below:

Oisin Geoghegan, Head of Enterprise at Local Enterprise Office Fingal

Oisín Geoghegan is Head of Enterprise at Local Enterprise Office Fingal. Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Fingal serves as the pivotal support hub for small businesses in the Fingal region. As one of 31 Local Enterprise Offices nationwide, LEO Fingal plays a crucial role in fostering the growth and development of local enterprises. Serving as the first point of contact for small businesses, LEO Fingal provides a comprehensive range of support services. These include tailored training programs, mentorship opportunities, access to funding, and developmental support through various schemes and initiatives. With a wealth of experience, LEO Fingal specializes in assisting entrepreneurs at every stage, whether they are launching a new venture or seeking to elevate their existing business to new heights.

Deirdre O’Neill, Senior Regional Development Executive at Enterprise Ireland.

Dedicated to supporting Irish companies throughout their journey, Enterprise Ireland is a driving force from early-stage startups to established businesses and multinationals. Their offerings include funding, advisory services, and development support, empowering Irish-owned companies to realize their exporting aspirations and emerge as global industry leaders.

Des McCarthy, CEO of Microfinance Ireland

A not-for-profit lender, Microfinance Ireland is dedicated to nurturing entrepreneurship and economic growth in Ireland. Administering the Government's Microenterprise Loan Fund, MFI focuses on supporting small businesses with fewer than ten employees and an annual turnover below €2 million. Offering unsecured business loans ranging from €2,000 to €25,000 for commercially viable proposals, MFI is committed to providing dedicated financial solutions for the success of small enterprises.

Catherine Collins, Head of Credit Review at the Credit Review Office

Credit Review’s role is to ensure the flow of credit from banks to viable small businesses (SME’s) and farms. It provides an independent review of bank credit refusals when requested by borrowers, has a helpline to provide information to SME’s, and monitors the level of credit sanctioned by the main Irish banks. It operates directly at the interface between banks and small business borrowers and sees all the issues and problems that can arise. Credit Review reports to the Minister for Finance.

Shane O’Hanlon, Funding for Growth Manager at InterTradeIreland.

InterTradeIreland has been a pivotal force in aiding small businesses in Ireland and Northern Ireland for over two decades. Situated in Newry, Co Down, it facilitates access to cross-border opportunities for growth. Their comprehensive services cover sales and innovation support, funding, business insights, and assistance navigating the new trading relationship between Britain and the EU. As a cross-border body, InterTradeIreland is proudly funded by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) and the Department for the Economy (DFE) in Northern Ireland.

Ray Molloy, Branch Manager of AIB Swords

AIB, a major market player in the Irish financial landscape, is a leading banking institution dedicated to supporting Irish businesses through an extensive suite of financial services. Beyond mainstream banking, it offers diverse finance options, ensuring consistent cash flow and financial well-being for its clients. With a deep understanding of the processes of applying for finance loans, AIB's solutions empower businesses and play a crucial role in their growth and prosperity.

Amanda Germaine, Head of Originations at Linked Finance.