As part of Local Enterprise Week Donegal, the ii invites business owners, founders and aspiring entrepreneurs to an intimate evening fireside chat exploring what it really takes to build a business when belief is tested.

This informal, interactive conversation will feature Lee Tedstone, ii Entrepreneur in Residence and CEO of Kobai, Anthony Hutton, founder of Subterranean, Phil Graham, founder of Secora Consulting, and Martina McCauley and Breda Cullen, co-founders of HR Team, as they share the real experiences behind their entrepreneurial journeys.

Rather than focusing on theory or best practice, the discussion will centre on real moments — the doubts, decisions and turning points that shaped their businesses, and the role belief played when the path forward was uncertain.

This is not a panel discussion or a presentation. There are no slides and no scripted talks. Instead, the evening is designed as an open, honest conversation, with plenty of opportunity for audience questions, reflection and shared insight.

The fireside chat will explore:

• moments where belief was tested and decisions carried real risk

• lessons learned from growth, setbacks and change

• what resilience and conviction look like in practice

Set in a relaxed, informal setting, this event offers a chance to step back from the day-to-day and engage in meaningful conversation with founders who have navigated the realities of building and leading businesses.

Whether you are starting out, scaling, or rethinking your next move, this session offers valuable insight, connection and perspective grounded in real experience.