HUB VOUCHER SCHEME PAYMENTS:     To all hubs participating in the National Connected Hubs Voucher Scheme, please complete the Supplier Set-up Form if you haven't already done so. The sooner you do this, the sooner you will receive payment from the Department of Rural & Community Development. You can access the form HERE and all other relevant detail. If you were successful in securing a Connected Hubs grant in 2021 or 2022, you do not need to complete the Supplier Set-up Form as the Department already have your details. Hubs can start to draw down voucher payments from August 12 onwards. (Posted: 20 July 2022)

DORMANT ACCOUNTS:

RECRUITER - GROW REMOTE:    Grow Remote are looking to hire a Recruiter to ensure that when employment can land anywhere, it lands in regional and rural Ireland. The Recruiter will work to understand remote jobs on the market, and work with Grow Remote's offline and online communities to match talent. Apply HERE  (Posted: 15 July 2022)

IDEATION & PROTOTYPING - A MASTERCLASS: Ideas are many and deciding on the right one to bring forward to validation can be difficult. This masterclass will focus on ideation techniques and using prototypes to validate and communicate your intent. You will learn:

• How to decide on an idea
• How to build on ideas with your team
• How to use prototypes to validate and communicate your intent
• About design thinking - a framework for innovation
• Facilitator:

Masterclass facilitator, Gabe Mullarkey, is a human-centered design expert based in Galway with 15 years experience as a design professional in both industry and as a freelance designer. Register online HERE. (Posted: 12 July 2022)

ARE YOU READY TO MAKE THE MOVE TO HYBRID:  Enterprising Monaghan have been running an online Remote Working Training programme, delivered by Grant Thornton and fully funded by Enterprise Ireland. The course is free. It is relevant to team managers and remote working employees as well as digital nomads. We have a few places left on the next course which commences 27 April. Would you be interested in attending?  The next cohort is starting on Wednesday, 27 April, at 9am for 1.5 hours and every Wednesday for seen weeks. This is a fully interactive course that empowers users to be at their very best going forward.  Previous participants view of this course say: “That was a super course! Delighted I took part”; “Thoroughly enjoyed the course”; “Very Interesting. Great to chat with others on the same journey. Excellent speakers and great to get the form templates and course material”. Register online HERE  or contact dora@enterprisingmonaghan.ie for more detail. (Posted: 20 April 2022)

THE IMPACT AT CRANN: Full report and video HERE  on the recent official opening of  The Impact Hub at Crann, Ovens, Ballincollig, Co. Cork. The Impact Hub has been created to provide equal access to the new world of co-working/remote working for people with disabilities.   (Posted: 20 April 2022)

FROM DRCD: " Re RRDF Fourth Call Category 1 Applications   Dear colleagues,   I refer to the currently open Call for Category 1 applications to the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund.   To facilitate the submission of supplementary documentation and attachments exceeding 20MB, the Department has set up a file share account. Please email the RRDF unit at  rrdf@drcd.gov.ie   to receive a link with a password to access the file share and a user guide.   We would ask that you do not use any other file sharing sites for this call.   Please note the completed application form should be sent to  rrdf@drcd.gov.ie   The closing date for submission of applications is Friday, 29th April 2022 at 12 midday." (Posted: 8 April 2022)

AGRICULTURAL FOCUS: We are planning to assemble hubs with agricultural focus to explore possible initiatives. What is a hub with an agricultural focus? If you have some hub-based companies in the broader agri sector, are based in a strong agri-tech or agri-business region, or you would like to attract companies with an agri focus - that qualifies you to get involved. If you would like to be kept informed of developments in this area, email liamhoran@wdc.ie with Agricultural Focus in the subject line. (Posted: 6 April 2022)

CO:WORX DIGITAL HUB OPENING: The official openings keep on coming...best of luck to all involved in CO:WORX digitial hub whose official opening is on Thursday next, 31 March. This is a collaboration between Edgeworthstown Enterprise Hub and Longford County Council. "We want to give our community the opportunity to work, learn and contribute locally with a global reach", say CO:WORX. A special 'good luck' to our regular network attendees Claire McEnroe, who has worked tirelessly on this project over the past few years, and Luiz Roque, the hub manager. (Posted: 23 March 2022)

BANTRY BAYWORKS' NEWSLETTER: Bantry Bayworks have issued their first enewsletter. "In this enews, we'll introduce a little bit of our history and, most importantly, we're looking for your input into our plans for the future. We've a special appeal to employers to hire displaced Ukranians remotely. And you'll also learn about some terrific training for aspiring and existing remote workers and team leaders," they say. You can read it HERE(Posted: 23 March 2022)

CONNECTED HUBS €5M FUNDING CALL :  Fund details are  HERE . See recordings of Info Sessions re the €5m fund  HERE . To help you, we have annotated or tagged each of the three sessions, see  HERE . The FAQs for the fund are HERE . Information Pack from all exhibitors at recent ConnectedHubs.ie recent Expo are HERE (Posted: 21 March 2022)

THE IMPACT HUB AT CRANN - OFFICIAL OPENING: We will be broadcasting this Friday's (25 March) network event from The Impact Hub at Crann, Ovens, Ballincollig, Co. Cork, to coincide with the official opening of the centre by An Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar, TD. Official opening takes place at 10.45am - our network event will be at the usual time of 2pm. The Impact Hub has been created to provide equal access to the new world of co-working/remote working for people with disabilities. We welcome people with disabilities who wish to locate their business here. We also want to see opportunities for people with disabilities to work for companies who use the hub. We plan to research the impact of this level of inclusion and participation and to use this information to influence how hubs are funded to build increased opportunities for people with disabilities to be included. Special mention for Padraig Mallon, Chief Executive, Crann, and Joellen Owers, Manager, The Impact Hub - many of you will have met them at our Friday meetups.   (Posted: 21 March 2022)

COWORKING SPACE - OFFICIAL OPENING: The official opening of the Coworkplus and Gteic @ an Tearmann Coworking Space will be performed by Tracy Keogh, Grow Remote, in Craoibhín Community & Enterprise Centre, Currin, Termon, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, on Monday, 28 March, at 2pm. Guest speakers will include Mícheál Ó hÉanaigh, Údarás na Gaeltachta, and Padraic Fingleton, Donegal Local Development Company. It will be a proud big day for Mary Doherty, who comes along to our Friday meetups on a regular basis.  (Posted: 21 March 2022)

CONNECTED HUB FUND :  Key details on the fund are available HERE- you should also have received this in your email. If you haven't done so yet, sign up for an information session, if you are considering making an application to the Connected Hubs fund. Info sessions next week - register by 4pm today (Friday). Register HERE , if you haven't already done so by email.  (Posted: 23 February 2022)

MARKETING CAMPAIGN & APP LAUNCH : The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has announced a number of major new initiatives that will support Remote Working across the country. More HERE(Posted: 20 February 2022)

GOOD NEWS TODAY FOR HUBS : 28 Remote Working projects supported including County-led campaigns aimed at attracting remote workers to relocate. More HERE  (Posted: 25 February 2022)

WEXFORD/KILKENNY ENQUIRY :   We have had an enquiry from a company looking for suitable hub accommodation in the Wexford/Kilkenny region. It may be one or two days a week. They are not sure yet if it would be a hot desk or a private office - the replies they receive will inform their decision. If you would like your hub to be considered, please complete this FORM  and we will circulate all responses to the company to help them make their decision. If you have more than one hub in the above region, please complete a separate form for each hub. (Posted: 25 February 2022)

STORAGE SPACE : This is a query we got - Connected Hubs can't help, but do you know anyone who might be able to help: "I am contacting with a question regarding your hubs. Our company name is XXXX, we are an online wholesale marketplace. We are currently looking for a storage facility, more specifically a unit for storing boxes and products, space that can also accommodate freezers (for frozen products, etc.), and truck pull ups for loading/ unloading boxes.  We are aware that your services does not include such spaces, but we are enquiring whether your services will be expanding perhaps one day to include storage facilities such as we have described and require for our business. Small businesses and start ups are finding it difficult to find small and reasonably priced spaces, especially around Dublin city centre."  If you can help, email liamhoran@wdc.ie (Posted: 23 February 2022)

STARTUP STORYTELLING MASTERCLASS: What is your startup's story? Your value proposition? Say it out loud. Are you happy with it? Jo Caruana, Founder and CEO of Finesse Group, will join the #FoundersCircle to do a Masterclass on using the Storybranding framework to nail your story once and for all. #Founders’Circle is a monthly event for tech founders to meet, have rich conversations in small groups, share experience and forge connections to accelerate startup growth. Powered by RDI Hub in association with Scale Ireland. This workshop is free, book HERE (Posted: 10 February 2022)

NEW TO TWITTER: Let's all give EK Digital Hub in Ballinlough, Co. Roscommon, a follow HERE  - they're brand new to Twitter. And drop your own social media links into chat during today's CH network meet-up so people can follow you too. (Posted: 11 February 2022)

GLENASMOLE FUNDRAISER: Best of luck to John W Lee and his colleagues in Glenasmole Community Campus, Dublin, who are currently running a fundraiser to win a VW Camper Van. More HERE(Posted: 10 February 2022)

INNOVATORS U35 EUROPE FESTIVAL: MIT’s Innovators Under 35 Europe Festival, one of the world’s most distinguished events honouring young technology pioneers, is coming to Ireland for the first time. On May 19-21, Europe’s brightest innovators will gather in Gaoth Dobhair, Donegal, to showcase their work and meet other visionaries who are shaping the future and transforming lives through their technological advances. European and global leaders in innovation will also speak at the festival focusing on the transformative power of tech in creating a better world for all. More HERE(Posted: 5 February 2022)

DRCD Customer Satisfaction Survey 2022: The Department of Rural and Community Development intends to review its Customer Action Plan and Customer Charter as part of its commitment to providing a quality customer service. DRCD is keenly aware of the importance of communicating its message, both externally to its clients, customers and stakeholders and internally among its staff and among our agencies. To this end, a survey has been created so that we can better gauge, and consequently better serve, the needs of our customers. Please use Google Chrome to access the survey using this LINK (Posted: 2 February 2022)

TRANSITIONAL PROTOCOL: Transitional Protocol: Good Practice Guidance for Continuing to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 has been published by the Government today. It reflects the lessons learned to date and places a greater emphasis on guidance and best practice to support the safe return to physical attendance in the workplace. You can read it in full HERE  (Posted: 31 January 2022)

CSO RESULTS ON REMOTE WORK: CSO results on working remotely (last Nov) published in detail this morning. Thanks to our colleague in the Western Development Commission, Deirdre Frost, for signposting us to this link which deals specifically with hubs HERE . Thanks also to Michael Newham, Business Development Manager, Midland Network of Co-working Facilities, who flagged this related  Irish Times report to us. You may also be interested in the following media reports also published today: RTE ;  Irish Examiner ;  (Posted: 18 January 2022)

UPDATE FROM BOWSY:   Help your members work differently in 2022, and work smart. Bowsy , based in the Guinness Enterprise Centre, is a platform that connects Companies to 3rd level students for task or project work. Students can help in Accounting/Finance/Marketing/Social Media/Business Development plus much more. No contracts and access to a pool of talent at a 3rd of consultancy costs. Webinars by request of individual hubs plus their member companies, conducted via  Teams meeting - introduction to the Bowsy Platform and the benefits such as reducing work load or accessing students expertise on areas where they lack due to a small team eg. Marketing Team. Coffee mornings by request, presentation by Bowsy followed by networking in the Hub with member companies over a cup of tea/coffee and bun.  To hear more on how you can help your members to connect please email  helena@bowsy.com(Posted: 27 January 2022)

GMIT DIGITAL WEST CONFERENCE (25 Jan):  Leaders in public and private sector organisations along with academics will share cybersecurity and trust stories at this year’s GMIT Digital West conference, which takes place fully online on https://digitalwest.biz/ on Tuesday 25 January 2022 from 10am until 1pm. The event will be opened by GMIT President Dr Orla Flynn (10am), followed by guest speakers Dr Eoin Byrne and Eamon Larkin, Cyber Ireland; Aoife Long, Cyber Skills Education and Public Engagement Manager MTU; Mathie Gorge, CEO at VigiTrust; Dr Seamus Dowling, Cybersecurity lecturer, GMIT; Paul Fitzpatrick, Cyber Forensics Manager, AGS; Colm Healy, Founder and CEO of Corrata; Louise O Sullivan, Security Services Manager and Lei Shao, Security and Risk Advisor at HEAnet; and Rebecca Springett, Titan HQ Leading Cloud Security. More HERE (Posted: 18 January 2022)

RURAL BUSINESS DAY: Digi2Market is holding a #ruralbusiness Twitter/Insta day on 19th January 2021. It aims to spread awareness about the amazing people, services, and products behind rural businesses which support regional economies and communities. We want to get as many people as possible on the island of Ireland, in Finland, Iceland, across Europe, and beyond posting about #ruralbusiness. We need your help to make it a success. Get Tweeting and Insta-ing. More HERE(Posted: 18 January 2022)

RRDF APPROVED PROJECTS UNDER THE THIRD CALL 2022:  Minister Humphreys announces €21.5 million for 27 landmark regeneration projects nationwide Old Schools, Cinemas, Courthouses and Vacant Buildings to be transformed into Remote Working Hubs, Creative Studios, Visitor Centres, Museums, Libraries, Enterprise, Heritage and Community Spaces Strong focus on combatting dereliction, increasing the vibrancy of our towns and villages and attracting people back to Rural Ireland Multi-million euro investment to bring ambitious regeneration and economic development projects to full readiness The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has today announced €21.5 million for 27 landmark regeneration projects in rural communities across the country.  A list of the successful projects is available HERE .(Posted: 6 January 2021)

RRDF CALL NOW OPEN:  The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, announced on Friday last that the Fourth Call for Category 1 proposals for the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) is now open. Key points to note: Funding to support large-scale regeneration projects that are ready to commence; aim is to drive economic growth, combat dereliction and breathe new life into town centres; strong focus on converting old buildings into remote working hubs, libraries, e-learning, cultural, enterprise, youth and community spaces. And, yes, a community group can put forward a project. More HERE. (Posted: 17 December 2021)

2021

PITCH YOUR BUSINESS: Early in the New Year we will announce a Pitch Your Business competition in conjunction with some partners. This will be for rural-based businesses - by rural, we mean anything outside the seven largest cities on the island. Prizes include cash, mentoring and media exposure. It will certainly interest some of your client companies. (Posted: 17 Dec. 2021)

OFFICE FURNITURE AVAILABLE: Oonagh McCutcheon of We Are Ireland Online ( www.weare.ie ) says: "We are refurbishing our office for Covid reasons, and have approx. 25 desks, 25 chairs, and 25 pedestals that we no longer need. I’ve heard various hub managers on recent webinars etc saying that they lack office furniture.  So I wanted to see if ConnectedHubs.ie would be interested in taking them and giving them to various hubs?"  Email liamhoran@wdc.ie if you are interested and he will send on the inventory - you will need to organise pick-up in Dublin. Thanks to Oonagh for this kind offer.  (Posted: 17 Dec. 2021)

LOOKING FOR A SIMILAR HUB: We've had a request from Mary Hensey in The Junction, Tullamore, as follows: "We are a CLG, reporting to our Local Enterprise board, who in turn report to Offaly County Council. We'd like to speak to a hub set up similarly". Email mary@thejunctionoffaly.ie if you can help her out.   (Posted: 16 Dec. 2021)

MILESTONE DAY FOR THE YARD HUB: Longford County Council is delighted to confirm that contracts have been signed with Doyle Construction, a local construction firm, for the redevelopment of the Old Canal Stores in Abbeyshrule into a rural working hub. More HERE  and HERE (Posted: 10 Dec. 2021)

WORKING GROUP REPORT: For the last number of months, our 'Success Criteria' working group have worked assiduously to produce our first Working Group report on foot of a major survey of hubs carried out in August. You can read the report in full HERE. This report will inform our work in the coming months. 

The group comprised: Julianne O'Leary  (The Guinness Enterprise Centre);  Trish Walsh  (An Chroí);  Kevin McShane  (Inishowen Innovation);  Eoin Costello  (Digital HQ);  Joe Kelly  (Cairn Enterprise Centre);  Ciara Breen  (Creative Spark); Lisa Rowntree  (Ace Enterprise Park);  Clare McEnroe  (Edgeworthstown Hub); Mike Hannigan  (Coworkinn) and WDC/Connected Hubs personnel Stephen Carolan , Pauline Leonard , David Murphy and Liam Horan . We have three other working groups running at the moment - Hubs from the Perspective of Employers; Hubs from the Perspective of Users; and  Hubs from the Perspective of Communities . All three groups have held a number of meetings and will finalise and launch their reports soon.

A big 'thank you' to all who have volunteered to get involved in working groups designed to make the network, and the members hubs, more effective. Feedback also welcome, of course. In your hub, or locality, have you existing or start-up businesses in the tourism sector?If yes, HERE'S a useful resource you might wish to share with them.  (Posted: 2 Dec. 2021)

ACT365 INTEGRATION : The ACT365 integration with the ConnectedHubs.ie software has been completed in the last few days and is now live. Any hub that wishes to try it out can do so now. Any queries, contact support@connectedhubs.ie. BaseWorx say : You can find the ACT365 Settings Page by going to the left sidebar, click on Settings and ACT365 settings is there. All you need is your username (email address) and password of your admin account of your own ACT365 Dashboard. The system will confirm then if it's active with the connection. Then a new panel option opens in the Desk Plans, showing all of your ACT365 doors that you can turn on / off for that desk plan. We will have tutorials on this next week. 

On a related matter, Joe Sheridan (hubs in Dunmore and Milltown) would like to talk to an electrician who has worked on linking a mechanical door system (e.g. a Hasp or a Magnilock) with our software. If you've someone who can help, contact Joe on info@joesheridan.ie or 087 989 7072. (Posted: 3 Dec. 2021)

CONNECTED CITIES & TOWNS SUMMIT 2021: Stephen Carolan, National Hubs Programme Manager, Western Development Commission / ConnectedHubs.ie, is one of the speakers at the Connected Cities & Town Summit 2021 (Tuesday, 7 December). This is a virtual event and runs from 9am to 2.45pm. More details and book your place   HERE (Posted: 2 Dec. 2021)

ALL-IRELAND HUB SUMMIT, 8 & 9 DEC : Miriam & Mary here, from the Irish Tech Hub Network . We’re reaching out to invite you to join the All-Ireland Hub Summit on 8th & 9th Dec. This virtual summit is kindly supported by Connected Hubs and aims to finish out the year by bringing hubs from across the island of Ireland together in a dynamic, collaborative environment where they can find insight and inspiration from one another.  The summit will include virtual panel discussions, 7 workshops and a Masterclass on “Growing Your Startup Hub” as well as the opportunity (for a limited number of people) to attend an onsite event at selected hubs, to meet other hub leaders from your province. You can see a more detailed agenda for the summit in the PDF attached and some further information below. You’re welcome to join for relevant segments or the entire event - we just ask that anyone who intends to attend would register at the links below. Register for:
 The virtual summit here
The Masterclass: More info here or apply directly using this link
 Onsite networking & workshop here (please note places are limited due to social distancing guidelines) (Updated: 22 Nov. 2021)

CREW & GMIT Certificate in Creative Entrepreneurship & Enterprise Development: The programme will be industry led, and the postgraduate certificate in creative entrepreneurship and enterprise development will be delivered remotely through the GTeic and Connected Hubs network to participants located across Ireland - with a focus on those entrepreneurs based in the western region and along the Atlantic economic corridor. More   HERE  (Posted: 12 Nov. 2021)

THE INSIDE-T PROJECT : In your hub, or locality, have you existing or start-up businesses in the tourism sector? If yes,  HERE'S  an interview about a useful resource you might wish to share with them. There are two events on next week that they might wish to attend, so time is of the essence. (Posted: 1 Dec. 2021)

ACT 365: If your hub is using ACT365 door access system with pin codes, can you get in touch? Just looking for a test hub as we build integration. Email liamhoran@wdc.ie if you fit the bill. Thanks. (Posted: 30 Nov. 2021)

OFFICE SPACES & FABRICATION FACILITIES: We've had this enquiry: "A part of my current research into the co-working hubs is specifically focused on those that combine clean office-based spaces with, fabrication facilities. In particular, any hubs that go beyond the capacity of a community maker space or fab lab.   What I am essentially looking for is a co-working hub that incubates startups in fabrication, content creation, and making.  If you are a person or a team that makes something, and you need a space that you can get "messy" but you are not ready to rent an industrial unit permanently.... where do you go?  Is there a hub like this in Ireland?"  Email liamhoran@wdc.ie if it's of interest to you. (Posted: 1 Dec. 2021)

CROSS BORDER TRADE: CEAI recently secured funding to deliver a Training & Mentoring Programme leading to the establishment of a Pilot Cross Border Trade Launchpad.  This is a short programme for companies interested in exploring cross border trading opportunities, in the first instance. It would be great if you could bring this training and learning opportunity to the attention of any of your tenant companies that you believe could benefit from participation.  Ideal participant companies will come from the following sectors – Food, Drink, Construction, Manufacturing, Engineering, Business Services, Tourism, Minerals, Distribution which are among some of the sectors heavily impact by Brexit.

There is no financial cost involved and the requirement of each company is a time commitment of approximately 15 hours to include: 4 x Master Classes x 1 hour per class 4 x Group Clinics x 1.5 hours per clinic 2 x 1-1 Mentoring Sessions x 1 hour per session 1 x Shared Learning Event x 1 hour Class Work x 2 hours. The programme will work with 30 companies across Ireland, Northern Ireland and England. To target these 30 companies, CEAI has partnered with Enterprise Northern Ireland and the National Enterprise Network, England. Expressions of Interest for Participation are now being sought with a deadline of December 10th in place.

Any company interested in participating should contact me directly on siobhan@nacec.ie. The Programme will be delivered by the Discovery Partnership , an SME Growth Consultancy [and consortia partners of Winning Moves (UK) - an SME Benchmarking Performance/Growth Consultancy/Software Development organisation - and the Centre for Competitiveness, Northern Ireland]. (Posted: 1 Dec. 2021)

NEW QUALITY STANDARDS FRAMEWORK - QHUBS:  A new national Quality Standards Framework for Ireland’s enterprise hub, co-working and remote working sector has been unveiled by Minister Damien English TD, Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment. The development of the framework was overseen by a National Steering Committee, chaired by Minister English, was funded by Enterprise Ireland and managed and co-ordinated by the Community Enterprise Association Ireland. An Online Briefing takes place on Thursday, 25 November. Email Siobhan Finn Finn for more details.  Register HERE  More detail on the framework HERE (Updated: 12 Nov. 2021)

HUB USER SHOWCASE: We are building a dedicated section on the platform to promote enterprises based in hubs in our network - see Hub User Showcase  HERE (Posted: 16 Nov. 2021)

GUINNESS ENTERPRISE CENTRE: Today is a big day for the Guinness Enterprise Centre, one of the hubs in our network. "Guinness startup hub to cater for 220 firms after €10m makeover  Guinness startup hub to cater for 220 firms after €10m makeover " reports the Irish Independent. The expansion of the GEC has also featured on Newstalk's Breakfast Business programme this morning. We hope all goes brilliantly for them today. (Posted: 10 Nov. 2021)

SILICON REPUBLIC: Good to see the widely read Silicon Republic platform promoting the merits of hub working HERE   (Posted: 6 Nov. 2021)

MEET THE HYBRIDS: " Can’t work at home? Done with the commute? Meet the hybrids " - Irish Times write-up on remote working, featuring a number of our hubs.   (Posted: 5 Nov. 2021)

FOUNDERS CIRCLE:   Thanks to Reidín O'Connor, Members & Community Manager, RDI Hub, Killorglin, for letting us know that the final Founders Circle of the year takes place on Friday, November 19th, 11am-12.30pm. This Founders Circle will be a closed door, candid conversation with several founders who have recently fundraised via Venture Capital, Angles, Debt Financing & Crowdfunding on what worked for them and what to avoid. Speakers include including  Joleen Looney from Content Llama, Emmet Creighton from Lintil, Noel Dykes from Frankli, Oliver Kirwan from Hotfoot and Jennifer Timony from FitPink. Register   HERE (Posted: 5 Nov. 2021)

STABLE LANE VISIT: Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, TD, visited Stable Lane Digital Hub in Carrick-on-Suir during her recent trip to the county to view new rural development projects that have received investment of over €7 million from her Department. More HERE(Posted: 4 Nov. 2021)

GROW REMOTE: Coming on November 22 is the second iteration of Grow Remote's Local Leader Onboarding Programme that helps make remote local. More details HERE(Posted: 4 Nov. 2021)

POST COVID-19 WORKPLACE: OPPORTUNITIES & CHALLENGES:  In this engaging seminar, expert speakers will consider what is the ‘workplace’ that many organisations are returning to post-COVID-19, how are we managing this ‘workplace’, and where does legislation fit into it?  (Posted: 3 Nov. 2021)

RURAL FORA:  Revitalising Towns and Villages is the theme of the third event in the The Department of Rural and Community Development series of online stakeholder engagement events, to discuss a number of important topics featured in ‘Our Rural Future – Rural Development Policy 2021-2025’. It takes place on Wednesday, November 10, at 11am. Register HERE.  (Posted: 3Nov. 2021)

WORKING GROUPS 1: Our 'What Success Looks Like' working group had to pause meetings recently when Liam Horan was off on sick leave. Liam is now back and the group will meet soon to finalise their report for a forthcoming meeting of the network.  (Posted: 3 Nov. 2021)

WORKING GROUPS 2: Additionally, our three other networking groups are about to meet soon. They are:
1. Hubs from the Perspective of Users: Patricia Ryan, Croom Community Enterprise Centre; Laura Tannian, Forge Works, Gort; Frank Keane, Lake District Hub, Ballinrobe; Kerrie O'Byrne, ACE Enterprise Park, Clondalkin + Stephen Carolan, Pauline Leonard, David Murphy and Liam Horan (all WDC).

2. Hubs from the Perspective of Communities: Tadhg O'Shea, Barraduff Community Hub; Alma Reddington, Knockmore Rathduff Recreation and Resource Centre; Regina Dunne, Bloom HQ; John W Lee, Glenasmole Community Centre + Stephen Carolan, Pauline Leonard, David Murphy and Liam Horan (all WDC).

3. Hubs from the Perspective of Employers: Caitriona Montgomery, Stream Birr; George Bulman, Rubicon, Cork; Barbara Nolan, M-Space Malahide; Caroline Brady, Cavan County Council + Stephen Carolan, Pauline Leonard, David Murphy and Liam Horan (all WDC).

Email liamhoran@wdc.ie before November 5 if you'd like to be on one of the three 'perspective' groups, specifying which one.

BCP/HUB TRAINING PROVISION:  Ludgate has been appointed by the Department of Rural and Community Development to provide virtual training and supports to BCP’s and Community Hubs in Ireland.  The training is aimed at BCP's (Broadband Connection Points) and community hubs at different stages of their journey. More; HERE

NEW BALLYBAY FOOD HUB: The hub , opened last week by Minister for Rural And Community Development, Heather Humphreys, TD, has been designed to support Monaghan’s strong food production industry. The facility, which is managed by Enterprising Monaghan, also provides modern office space and meetings rooms.

OLD HUB BUILDING: One of the hubs in our network is conducting a strategic review of their operations. They are established in an old building and would like to talk to some other hub owners/managers who are also operating out of an old building. If you can help, please email liamhoran@wdc.ie . 

NDRC ACCELERATOR:  Applications are now open for the next NDRC Accelerator at Dogpatch Labs, kicking off in January 2022. Details and apply HERE .

HUB MANAGER VACANCY: COWORX, Edgeworthstwn, Co. Longford, are hiring a Digital Hub Business Manager. Full details HERE

RDI HUB, KILLORGLIN, ARE HIRING TOO : Production Manager and Programme Manager vacancies now advertised.

REMOTE WORK HACKATHON: Grow Remote are hosting a Remote Work in Ireland Hackathon.

EFFECTIVE PAGE: Well done to Regina Dunne and the team at Bloom HQ for this page on their site:  https://www.bloomhq.ie/ournetworks . Simple but very effective. Might be something to consider for your site?

RETHINKING IRELAND FUND: Supporting rural communities to recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and to build resilience for future challenges. The Rural Recovery Fund is a one year €600,000 fund created by Rethink Ireland with support from Google.org and the Department of Rural and Community Development via the Dormant Accounts Fund. 

SCALE UP ACADEMY: Institute of Technology, Sligo is the lead partner in a new cross-European Network supporting SMEs to move to the next stage of growth and internationalise their business. This project is called Scale Up Academy and is supported through the European Institute of Technology and Innovation. It is open to companies across Sligo, Donegal, Leitrim, Roscommon, Mayo areas. The application form can be found HERE. More details from  Moran.Ruth@itsligo.ie or enda@firstwestern.ie . There is no cost for participating SME’s as all costs including travel to events are covered from the Programme budget.

RTE FEATURE: 'Rural digital hubs popular among remote workers' - more HERE.

IRISH TIMES FEATURE: 'From an employer’s perspective the hubs tick the box because they are regulated spaces that comply with health & safety requirements.  More HERE 

POSTING NEWS ON THIS PLATFORM : If you want to publish your hub's news on this platform, email liamhoran@wdc.ie and we will forward a how-to video to you. See upcoming events posted by hubs on our platform HERE .

DIGITAL BALLINROBE:  A new organisation, Digital Ballinrobe, aims to help the town to capitalise on the unique post Covid-19 economic opportunities presented by digitalisation and remote working. The organisation will be aligned with similar initiatives nationally such as @DigitalDunLaoghaire and Digital Blanchardstown Village A meeting to formally establish Digital Ballinrobe will take place in the Maple Youth Centre, Bowgate St, on Tuesday, November 9th at 7.45pm. It will last for no more than one hour. All are welcome. The organisers expect that some people may be unable to attend in person and have therefore set up a facility to allow for attendance via Zoom. To avail of the Zoom option, email liamhoran09@gmail.com for login details. More HERE .

QUALITY STANDARDS LAUNCH : The official launch of the NACEC Quality Standards System / Framework for Ireland's Hub Sector, takes place on 3 November, 2021.

TED TALK :  Best of luck to Adrian Begley, Chair of Arranmore Island Community Council, who is doing a TED talk next week. More HERE.

HUBS FEATURED IN IRISH TIMES: Can’t work at home? Done with the commute? Meet the hybrids.

HUBNET LAUNCH: Hubnet are a recent startup in the provision of remote/proximity workspaces. They are launching their first proximity hub development The Waterside Hub at Scotstown Business Centre , Scotstown, Co. Monaghan, on Monday, November 15, at 11am. This development was made possible through the Connected Hubs Funding from the Department of Rural and Community Development and Minister Heather Humphreys will attend this event. A simple cluster of eight new remote workspaces fully operational and efficiently delivered. Hubnet has many ideas of how similar sites can be rolled out across the country and they  would be very happy to share these with interested parties.

FREE VIDEO OFFER : Johnny Beirne, a hub user in The Hive, Carrick-on-Shannon, is a vastly experienced digital marketer and communications trainer. Now he is offering to help one hub-based software company to make a free 'Stand Out On Screen and Win More Business - for Software Companies' video. He is doing this to build up his portfolio in this specific area. This offer is open only to hub users. Here is the first sample video he has done with  Trojan IT (Boyle) . If any of your hub users would like to be considered for this free offer, they should email a few lines about their business to johnny@johnnybeirne.com . 

BALLYMORE EUSTACE HUB OPEN DAY:  The Hub at Ballymore Eustace is opening on Monday next, October 18. There is an open day this Friday (October 15) for anyone who would like to see it.

SME EVENTS: Dublin Chamber are organising a number of events aimed at SMEs that they feel might be of interest to the Connected Hubs network. The online event next Thursday is a launch of a digital learning platform we have been working on. The platform is aimed at those who are in the retail sector and looking to digitalise their business or for newer entrepreneurs who are looking at becoming retailers/online retails but are not sure where they can start. The other series of events is the “Recovery Series” these 3 event will be topic specific and will cover – Change Management, Logistics and Supply Chain, and Access to Finance. All the events are free to access and are open to non-chamber members.

RURAL IDEAS FORA: [Update - these events look to be sold out. We are checking if any additional spaces will become available]. The Department of Rural and Community Development is holding a series of Rural Ideas Fora in the coming weeks.  The series of three online events will focus on specific themes within Our Rural Future, the national rural development policy published earlier this year, and will be an opportunity to discuss the challenges and opportunities that impact on rural communities and economies.  Attendees will learn more about ongoing work relating to key objectives contained in the policy, and hear from a panel of key stakeholders.     Registration for these events is available via Eventbrite HERE . The three events scheduled are as follows: 18 October – 11am-1pm: Remote Working - An Opportunity for Rural Ireland; 27 October – 11am-1pm: Transitioning to Climate-Neutral Society; 10 Novemb er – 11am-1pm: Revitalising Towns and Villages

e-HEALTH: We have started an e-Health project with the BCP on Clare Island in conjunction with a number of other partners: CISCO, NUIG, SFI, Mayo County Council and Clare Island Development. The consortium is now looking at where the project can be expanded to other areas. If your hub is located 50 km or more away from hospitals or primary care centres, this might interest you. Email info@connectedhubs.ie with your details if you would like us to follow up on this. Or put your details in chat at our Friday meeting.

CORPORATE ENQUIRIES: We are getting a increasing number of enquiries from corporates who wish to use hubs for their staff. To make this work well, hubs should be familiar with on boarding new customers onto the platform.  

REBOOT:  REBOOT is a South West Mayo Development Company, LEADER initiative aimed at businesses and social enterprises in Mayo, Roscommon and Sligo.  Reboot is a co-operative collaboration designed to assist the recovery of rural businesses and social enterprises in the aftermath of the Covid19 pandemic and Brexit economic disruption. Reboot will provide a programme of FREE tailored training, skills development, expert 1:1s and networking opportunities in Mayo, Roscommon and Sligo. Reboot has identified 3 critical areas to assist businesses/social enterprises/community groups post C19: • Online Marketing, e-commerce and e-marketing supports • Adapting your business for future opportunities and challenges • Minimising risks and optimising Health & Safety Full details on REBOOT plus find REBOOT on Twitter/Facebook/Instagram etc. 

GROW REMOTE:  Four of Ireland's leading employers (Vodafone, ESB, eBay and Liberty Insurance) have teamed up with social enterprise Grow Remote to encourage other businesses to join a new  remote working alliance . The purpose of the alliance is to build an Ireland where employment is accessible no matter where people live. 

LONGFORD REMOTE WORKING: Eight Broadband Connection Points (BCPs) and co:worx in Edgeworthstown. Funding for the work (€234,677.84) was announced by the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD under the Connected Hubs Call in July. BCPs provide free hot-desks, co-working and training facilities for residents, visitors and entrepreneurs.

OFFICIAL OPENING:  Minister touches 'BASE' to launch Stranorlar's new DigiHub. The DigiHub, which received funding through the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund and the Connected Hubs Fund, was developed by the Western Development Commission in partnership with Donegal County Council and local social enterprise, BASICC. It is also the latest Hub to receive free SIRO powered one Gigabit broadband connection. More HERE  and HERE .

EXPANSION: Carrick-on-Suir's Digital Hub to expand. Stable Lane Digital Hub has been able to develop its Enterprise Town House extension thanks to a €42,000 Connected Hubs Fund grant allocated from the Department of Rural & Community Development. The grant is financing the cost of refurbishing and fitting out the building. More HERE.

Success Criteria working group (work almost completed, about to produce report for consideration by the network)

Plus we are looking for volunteers to join these three working groups: 

1. Hubs from the Perspective of Users:  Patricia Ryan, Croom Community Enterprise Centre; Laura Tannian, Forge Works, Gort; Frank Keane, Lake District Hub, Ballinrobe; Kerrie O'Beirne, ACE Enterprise Park, Clondalkin. 

2. Hubs from the Perspective of Communities:  Tadhg O'Shea, Barraduff Community Hub; Alma Reddington, Knockmore Rathduff Recreation and Resource Centre; Regina Dunne, Bloom HQ; John W Lee, Glenasmole Community Centre. 

3. Hubs from the Perspective of Employers:  Caitriona Montgomery, Stream Birr; George Bulman, Rubicon, Cork; Barbara Nolan, M-Space Malahide. 

Email  liamhoran@wdc.ie  before September 28 if you'd like to be on one of the three 'perspective' groups, specifying which one.

To see upcoming network events go HERE

Archive of previous news items

ONLINE EVENT: Building social enterprise in rural Ireland, Thursday, 30th September, 11:00-13:00 . This online event will bring together key stakeholders involved in rural social enterprise to discuss the challenges and opportunities for social enterprises in rural communities. There will also be an opportunity to virtually visit three social enterprises to see the impact they are having in their communities. Register HERE .

24 September, 6pm at The Gort Square: After remote working during lock down, our local chapter is inviting remote workers, advocates and remote curious, to meet up within guidelines of safety protocols, to enjoy a guided historic walking tour of our local town. Opportunity to meet, chat, share stories and find out more about remote working and the Grow Remote Gort Chapter. Come for the chat and tour, stay for the pizza! Register HERE.

MEDIA ENQUIRY: We are looking for a company which has five or more employees in a hub. Also, someone who has successfully persuaded their (large-scale) employers of the value of allowing staff to work remotely in a hub. Email info@connectedhubs.ie 

THE SPOOL FACTORY: Great article with Brian Nerney on The Irish Times, September 20.