Small businesses and budding entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to sample 18 events aimed at helping them to start or grow their business as part of this year’s Local Enterprise Week in Dublin City. The initiative of the Local Enterprise Offices, supported by Enterprise Ireland and the local authorities, takes place from the 2nd to the 7th of March this year across the country.
While there are hundreds of events taking place nationally during the week, there are plenty of events in Dublin City open to all. These events will focus on helping small businesses or anyone just looking to get started on their business journey to plan, start, sustain and grow. From AI and Green regulations to Food and Finance workshops there will be something for every type of business across the week.
Each of the 31 Local Enterprise Offices will be running a full programme of events in their area that will cover a variety of topics relevant to small businesses and those starting up. The events are open to all, from budding entrepreneurs to established businesses and offers the opportunity to get expert advice on key areas of business from raising funds, improving your online presence, the benefits of AI, to how to make your business more productive and save money.
Warren Cray, Head of Enterprise, Dublin City Council said on the upcoming events:
“Local Enterprise Week is the highlight of the year for us at LEO Dublin City. It’s a real opportunity for businesses to step back and look at where they can grow, innovate, or perhaps become more sustainable — and to discover what support is right on their doorstep. Whether you’re running an established business or you’ve been sitting on an idea and wondering where to start, this is the week to do something about it. I’d encourage anyone with even a passing interest to come along, you might be surprised at what’s possible.”
The Local Enterprise Offices located in the local authorities and funded through Enterprise Ireland support thousands of small Irish businesses and entrepreneurs nationwide. Since their establishment in 2014 they have been for the first stop for entrepreneurs and small businesses and providing a range of supports including funding, mentoring, training and sector specific expertise to help guide businesses at any stage of their development.
They also run key initiatives to foster entrepreneurship across the country including Local Enterprise Week, National Women’s Enterprise Day, the Student Enterprise Programme and the National Enterprise Awards. The Local Enterprise Offices are also running a campaign encouraging small businesses to save time money and energy by availing of their competitiveness and productivity supports including Green, Lean and Digital for Business. www.AllInADaysWork.ie
Details for all the events taking place across the country during Local Enterprise Week, from March 2nd to 7th March, are available at www.LocalEnterprise.ie/Week
The casual gaming sector is experiencing unprecedented growth in 2025, creating fertile ground for innovative startups with fresh ideas. With mobile gaming revenues reaching record levels and user engagement metrics soaring, investment funds are increasingly turning their attention to this dynamic space. Soft2Bet Invest has emerged as a leading player in this arena, establishing a €50 million innovation fund specifically designed to nurture promising gaming entrepreneurs. Since its launch in June 2024, the fund has already made significant impacts, even winning the “Outstanding Contribution to Gaming 2024” award at SiGMA East Europe in September 2024.
The Evolving Landscape of Casual Gaming in 2025
The casual gaming market has transformed dramatically over the past few years, shifting from simple time-fillers to sophisticated experiences that incorporate social elements, progression systems, and innovative monetization models. Today’s casual games blend accessibility with depth, creating experiences that appeal to broader audiences while maintaining impressive retention metrics.
Mobile continues to dominate the casual gaming space, with the Apple App Store and Google Play generating over $80 billion in consumer revenue. This represents steady growth that shows no signs of slowing down. The focus on established genres with proven track records has allowed top publishers to capture significant market share, with the top five casual game publishers generating 62% of total revenue in their category.
Key factors driving the casual gaming boom include:
Low barriers to entry for players
Short, satisfying gameplay loops
Cross-platform compatibility
Innovative monetization strategies
Social integration features
These elements create games that are easy to pick up but difficult to put down, making them particularly attractive to investors looking for scalable products with strong retention potential.
What Soft2Bet Invest Seeks in Gaming Startups
Soft2Bet Invest has established a clear investment strategy, targeting both growth-stage and mature companies that demonstrate exceptional potential. The fund typically invests between €500,000 and €1 million per project, evaluating each opportunity on a case-by-case basis.
When assessing potential investments, Soft2Bet prioritizes several crucial factors:
Technological innovation – Companies leveraging cutting-edge technologies that enhance player experiences
Market differentiation – Unique approaches that stand out in a crowded marketplace
Scalability potential – Business models capable of significant growth with proper resources
Strong core metrics – Impressive retention, engagement, and monetization figures
Team capabilities – Experienced leadership with proven track records in gaming
Uri Poliavich, Founder and CEO of Soft2Bet, emphasizes the importance of disruptive thinking: “Our journey from startup to major iGaming operator and provider shows how we have been changing the iGaming industry, that we speak the language of innovation, and that our products and success stories are undeniable proof that we excel in driving business growth.”
Technology Trends Attracting Investment Dollars
The casual gaming industry is being transformed by several emerging technologies that are attracting substantial investment. Soft2Bet Invest specifically looks for companies harnessing these innovations:
Artificial Intelligence Applications
AI is revolutionizing game development and player experiences through:
Personalized content delivery based on player behavior
Dynamic difficulty adjustment to optimize challenge levels
Automated testing and quality assurance processes
Natural language processing for improved player interactions
Advanced analytics for more precise monetization strategies
These AI applications not only improve player experiences but also create more efficient development pipelines, making them particularly attractive to investors focused on operational excellence.
Player-Centric UX Design
User experience has become a critical differentiator in the competitive casual gaming market. Companies implementing advanced behavioral-UX analytics can significantly boost key performance indicators through:
Streamlined onboarding processes
Friction-free progression systems
Intuitive controls and interfaces
Data-driven design iterations
Personalized gameplay elements
Studios that prioritize these UX principles typically see higher retention rates and stronger monetization, making them prime candidates for investment consideration.
Monetization Models That Attract Funding
In 2025, sophisticated monetization approaches have become essential for casual gaming success. The most promising startups are moving beyond simple ad-based models to implement hybrid approaches that maximize revenue while enhancing player experiences.
The most attractive monetization strategies include:
User-level customization – Tailoring monetization approaches to individual player preferences and behaviors
Hybrid models – Combining in-app purchases, subscriptions, and various ad formats
Gamified progression systems – Creating value through achievement-based rewards
Social commerce integration – Leveraging community dynamics to drive purchases
Limited-time events – Creating urgency and exclusivity around special offers
According to industry analysis, the shift toward user-level customization represents the next evolution in monetization strategy. By leveraging contextual data gathered early in a user’s journey, publishers can dynamically adapt the monetization experience for each individual, optimizing revenue while maintaining positive player sentiment
Social Features Driving Investment Decisions
The integration of social elements has emerged as one of the most significant trends in casual gaming. Multiplayer functionality, leaderboards, and community features transform solitary gaming sessions into shared experiences, dramatically improving retention metrics.
Effective social implementations include:
Real-time competitive leaderboards
Friend-based progression systems
Guild/team mechanics
Shared challenges and rewards
Cross-platform social connectivity
Games that successfully incorporate these social dynamics typically demonstrate stronger long-term engagement metrics, making them particularly attractive to investors seeking sustainable business models.
The Investment Process with Soft2Bet Invest
For developers seeking funding, understanding Soft2Bet’s approach is crucial. The fund evaluates projects through a rigorous process that assesses both technical innovation and business fundamentals. Martin Collins, Chief Business Development Officer at Soft2Bet, emphasizes their unique perspective: “Essentially what we’ve done is we’ve taken some of the main concepts from casual gaming and built it to enter the casino experience in order to drive levels of engagement that you might not find with any other sports or casino business.”
This cross-pollination of ideas between casual gaming and iGaming creates unique opportunities for startups positioned at this intersection, especially those focused on engagement metrics and retention strategies.
The fund provides more than just capital, offering hands-on support and industry expertise to help portfolio companies scale effectively. This operational assistance, combined with strategic financial backing, creates a powerful platform for growth-oriented gaming startups looking to make their mark in the competitive casual gaming landscape.
GoFundMe and Instagram are launching innovative and new social sharing features to supercharge charity fundraisers and help raise more money for charities.
GoFundMe and Instagram’s new integration introduces a range of enhanced features designed to make fundraising more effective and engaging. Charities and fundraising organizers will benefit from enhanced sharing capabilities that allow their fundraisers to stand out in social feeds, making it easier to capture attention and build support. The integration also provides seamless sharing across Instagram and Instagram Stories, giving fundraisers a wider platform to reach followers and engage their communities. With native donation experiences built directly into Instagram, users can now donate without leaving the app, simplifying the process and increasing conversion rates. Additionally, real-time dynamic progress bars and a newly designed donate button will inspire immediate action by showing the live impact of contributions, encouraging more people to give and share with their networks. This integration is set to supercharge fundraising efforts, bringing greater visibility and engagement to causes that matter most.
Speaking about the new integration, GoFundMe CEO, Tim Cadogan says, “Ireland is the most generous country on GoFundMe and that extends to charity. Around one in every five GoFundMe pages in Ireland is for a charity. This integration will unlock powerful new channels for Irish people to raise millions more for charities – and give organisations the tools to inspire a new generation of supporters to make a difference for the causes they care about.”
These new features on Instagram are set to officially launch on 31st October, allowing charities and fundraisers to start leveraging the enhanced social sharing and donation tools in the run up to Christmas. With this integration, charities will be able to raise more funds by engaging with their Instagram communities in a seamless, user-friendly way. Additionally, Facebook will soon follow with similar enhancements, expanding the reach of fundraising efforts across both major platforms. This dual-platform integration will maximize the impact of every fundraiser.
“We are thrilled to introduce new features that will help connect more people with charity fundraisers shared on Facebook and Instagram,” said Allison Hartnett, Director of Central Social Impact at Meta. “We have heard from our charity partners that fundraising on their platform of choice is important, and are excited to be working with partners like GoFundMe to expand our offerings for nonprofits.”
To enable these new fundraising features, charities will need to ensure they meet a few key requirements. First, they will need to have a Facebook business page, which acts as the foundation for linking their social media presence with the fundraising tools. Next, they’ll need a professional Instagram account that is linked to their Facebook page. This connection is crucial as it allows the charity to seamlessly integrate GoFundMe fundraising with Instagram’s sharing and donation capabilities. Finally, charities must be enrolled in Facebook’s fundraising tools. This enrolment ensures that the necessary infrastructure is in place to process donations directly through Instagram. Once these steps are completed, charities will be able to leverage the enhanced sharing tools, real-time donation tracking, and dynamic donation options to boost their fundraising efforts and engage with their communities more effectively.
About GoFundMe:
GoFundMe is the world’s leading crowdfunding platform dedicated to helping people help each other. GoFundMe has helped raise over $30bn for people and charities.
For charities to leverage the new enhancements, they will need the following
Google.org, the philanthropic arm of Google is today making €500,000 in grants available to help improve access to AI in Ireland – with a focus on those in vulnerable and underserved communities. As part of the AI Opportunity Initiative, funding from Google.org will support training and skills for workers who are most likely to be impacted by workplace transitions brought on by AI.
Developed in collaboration with the Centre for Public Impact, Google.org’s AI Opportunity Fund, is making up to €500,000 in grants and sub-grants available in Ireland. Google is seeking applications through an open call from social enterprises and nonprofits in Ireland who can help reach those people most likely to benefit from this training – equipping workers here with the skills they need to avoid being left behind.
Selected organisations will receive bespoke training for their beneficiaries on foundational AI with extensive guidance and wraparound support. In addition, cash grants will be offered to support successful applicants, ensuring workers can attend the training.
Cera Ward, Managing Director, Large Customer Sales, Google Ireland, said:
“AI has the potential to improve people’s lives, and to help solve some of our most pressing societal challenges. We’re pursuing AI boldly and responsibly to ensure its benefits are available to everyone and that accessibility enhances our society – not exacerbates existing inequalities. The AI Opportunity Fund will help people in Ireland to develop their knowledge, skills and confidence around AI, ensuring that no one is left behind.”
Starting or expanding a business requires funding. While many entrepreneurs use their savings, there often comes a time when external funding is essential to take things to the next level. Small business loans can be the solution, offering the financial boost businesses need. Here are some essential tips to understand and navigate the world of small business financing effectively.
Understanding Different Types of Small Business Loans
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all when it comes to small business loans. Different businesses have different needs, and luckily, several types of loans are available.
Term Loans: These are traditional loans you pay back over a set period with interest. They are ideal for businesses with a clear plan of what they need and how to use the funds.
Lines of Credit: Similar to a credit card, a line of credit gives businesses flexibility. You can draw money up to a limit and pay interest only on the amount you use. It’s great for managing cash flow or unexpected expenses.
SBA Loans: Backed by the Small Business Administration, these loans offer favorable terms but have more strict requirements and a longer approval process.
Equipment Loans: Specific to purchasing equipment, the equipment itself is collateral for the loan. It’s ideal for industries where high-priced machinery is a must.
Invoice Financing: This option allows businesses to get an advance on outstanding invoices. Lenders give money based on the value of unpaid invoices and then collect directly from clients.
Creating a Strong Business Plan
A robust business plan doesn’t just guide your business operations but is also essential when applying for a loan. Lenders want to know why you need the money and how you plan to use it. Ensure your business plan has clear objectives, market analysis, sales and marketing strategies, and financial projections. This document should tell your business story, showcasing why you’re a good bet for lenders.
Keeping an Eye on Your Credit Score
Your credit score is a critical factor for lenders. A good credit score increases your chances of getting a loan and securing it at a favorable interest rate. Regularly check your score and take steps to improve it, such as paying bills on time, not maxing out credit cards, and rectifying any errors in your credit report.
Considering Alternative Financing Options
Lantern by SoFi states, “You can generally find small business loans at banks, credit unions, online small business lenders, and peer-to-peer (P2P) networks.”
Besides traditional loans, several alternative financing options might be more suitable for some businesses. Some non-traditional financing sources are crowdfunding platforms, angel investors, or venture capitalists. While these might not be the right fit for every business, it’s worth considering all available avenues.
Understanding Terms and Conditions
Before signing any agreement, it’s crucial to understand the loan’s terms and conditions fully. Look beyond just the interest rate. Understand fees, repayment terms, and any penalties for early repayment. Ensure you’re comfortable with all terms; when in doubt, it might be beneficial to consult with a financial advisor.
Navigating the world of small business financing can seem daunting, but it becomes manageable with the right information and approach. By understanding the different types of loans, ensuring a strong business plan and credit score, considering all funding options, and being aware of all terms, small business owners can secure the funds they need to grow and thrive. Remember, the key is to be informed and make choices that align with your business’s long-term vision and goals.
Kwayga.com, the fastest supplier sourcing engine for supermarket buyers, has successfully closed a funding round, with a €1 million investment in the company, led by The Redesdale Food & Beverage Fund.
Cork-headquartered Kwayga.com enables supermarket buyers to cut their sourcing times by 40% using its game-changing supplier sourcing technology, achieving in minutes what previously took months.
Mike McGrath, Co-Founder and CEO of Kwayga.com, a forward-thinking leader in the realm of eSourcing, who has made it a mission to revolutionise the way supermarkets across Europe approach buying said:
“Redesdale’s investment is a huge vote of confidence in our groundbreaking technology. This partnership will significantly accelerate our growth across Europe as we continue to build high value relationships with significant UK and European buyers, reducing their sourcing time and costs by rapidly connecting them with the best European suppliers. This funding will be used to scale our team and continue to grow our product.”
Michael Cantwell, a Partner in The Redesdale Food & Beverage Fund said; “Redesdale is delighted to invest in Kwayga.com. We are excited about the expertise of the team and their exceptional technology which solves a key buyer pain point. It will be a game changer in how suppliers are sourced in the supermarket sector.”
Kwayga.com was founded in 2021 by Mike McGrath and Martin Fitzgerald to provide a sourcing engine for Supermarket Buyers to engage them with perfectly matched private label and trending product suppliers in European markets where they would not previously have had visibility. It does this faster than ever seen in the sector, finding high quality product and supplier solutions quickly.
Buyers use Kwayga.com to cut 40% off their sourcing lead times, get new product requirements on shelves in record time; replace existing products when necessary; and for targeted cost saving programs. It already counts the main Irish supermarkets and several UK supermarkets as its customers, and has in excess of 80,000 suppliers on its database.
The Redesdale Food & Beverage Fund is a venture capital fund established by some of Ireland’s best known and most accomplished financiers, business leaders and commercial scientists. Investors in the fund include Enterprise Ireland, Lord Abbett, Musgrave, Coca-Cola, Monaghan Mushrooms, and Tate & Lyle. The fund targets food, beverage, and nutrition companies, led by ambitious entrepreneurs.
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly TD announced funding support of €300,000 by Google.org, the philanthropic arm of Google, to fund nonprofits supporting local employment opportunities through the Local Employment Task Force.
Launched in 2021 with support from Google, the Employment Task Force aims to find sustainable employment solutions for long-term unemployed people from the south inner city and provide training and development opportunities. This latest grants by Google.org will fund skills programmes by two nonprofits in the local area:
The Anchorage Project – a community-based training programme in the Ringsend and Irishtown area. The new skills based training will support 70 students to obtain an ITEC certified level qualification and soft skills to enable them to gain sustainable employment in the beauty and hospitality skills industry.
The Irish Nautical Trust – Google.org will continue its support of this hugely successful scholarship programme for students to access marine skills and technology. Launched in October 2021, this community-based environment maritime training programme educates local unemployed people and school leavers on the environment. Of 30 recent graduates, 28 have gained employment with ongoing support being provided to the remaining two. The funding supports access for students to obtain a certified level of maritime skills and enable them to gain sustainable employment in the marine industry.
At the event, Minister Donnelly also presented graduation certificates to 10 parents of children with special needs. Each recipient completed Google’s inaugural Special Needs Assistants scholarship programme. A further 10 scholarships were announced by Google covering the Docklands community.
Welcoming Google.org’s funding support to the Anchorage Project and the Irish Nautical Trust, Minister Donnelly said: “The employment opportunities both these programmes provide to the students will play a key role in not only their own futures but that of the wider community. While the State has a role to play, I would call on industry to join companies like Google and enhance their efforts to increase community employment. I have been informed that the majority of previous recipients of the Irish Nautical Trust Marine Skills & Technology scholarship programme secured employment and I look forward to hearing how all scholarship recipients fare in the months ahead”.
He added, “I would also like to sincerely congratulate today’s SNA certificate recipients and commend them on their passion and commitment to facilitating inclusive education in our community. SNAs play an invaluable role in supporting the education and well-being of students with additional needs in schools and these parents commitment to not just the education of their own children but those of the wider community is especially commendable”
David Sneddon, VP, Google Ireland, said, “Today is about recognising the importance of having access to training in your community. I would like to specifically congratulate those who graduated. All those who received a certificate today are mothers of children with additional needs who are passionate about their wider community. We are also delighted to continue our support of the Irish Nautical Trust, an integral member of our Employment Task Force, and we look forward to developing our relationship with the Anchorage project. Google Ireland remains committed to supporting our local community and addressing their needs in partnership with the community.”
Jimmy Murray, Irish Nautical Trust, said, “The Irish Nautical Trust’s mission is to create a marine training apprenticeship programme to train and certify young people in maritime skills to allow them to secure and maintain long term sustainable employment. However, our work is only possible through support from the government and organisations committed to continuing the nautical skills tradition in Dublin. We are thrilled that this grant from Google.org will support a further 30 graduates through the training scheme”.
Last evening’s event was to present certificates to the first 10 parents of children with special needs who completed the Special Needs Assistants (SNA) qualification with support from Google. This programme was established by Google’s Education Taskforce, a group consisting of the seven local schools in the area, who identified the need for SNA support. At the same time the local Neurodiversity network in the community made up of over 60 families from Irishtown, Ringsend and Pearse Street (NIRP) approached Google seeking training support in the field of SNA and digital support.
Google supported 10 scholarships for the NIRP group. 10 parents successfully achieved level 5 and 6 qualifications in the field of SNA. They carried out their work experience in the local schools supported by the Education Task Force. Following the initial success of the programme, Google has now announced its intention to fund a further 10 scholarships in the Docklands community.
