My name is Kamil Kholmatov, I’m originally from Ukraine, and I’ve been living in Ireland for a few years.I had the privilege of taking part in the Business Development Programme, organised by Offaly Local Development Company. This course became a true turning point in my life and laid the foundation for my journey as an entrepreneur in Ireland. Throughout the program, I gained not only essential knowledge in areas such as business planning, marketing, and administration, but also something even more valuable — confidence, clarity, anda renewed vision for my future. The course helped me understand how to approach business strategically, how to set realistic goals, and how to navigate challenges with a focused mindset.
A particularly valuable component was the additional training in digital marketing, which equipped me with practical tools to effectively promote a business in the online space. The course coordinator is a true professional with a wealth of experience and a sincere dedication to his students’ success. His support, advice, and encouragement were present at every stage of the program. He helped guide us step-by-step and was always ready to assist — his contribution was simply incredible.I am truly grateful to Offaly Local Development Company, to DesRegan, and to everyone involved in making this opportunity possible.

Kamil Kholmatov, Business Development Programme Graduate

Before taking the course, starting a business felt overwhelming. I had the motivation and a vision for Ralph’s Cleaning Service, but I didn’t know where to begin.This course changed everything for me. It broke down the startup process into clear, manageable steps— from defining my niche and target market tosetting prices and marketing my services effectively. One of the most valuable things I learned was how to build a strong foundation, not just hustle for short-term wins. I now understand how to position my business in a competitive market and how to attract and retain the right kind of clients. The course also helped me build confidence. I learned about budgeting, legal basics, customer service standards, and even how to create systems that make day-to-day operations
smoother. Thanks to the practical tools and real-world guidance, I was able to launch Ralph’s Cleaning Service with clarity and purpose. Now I’m not just running a business — I’m building something sustainable. I’ve gone from zero clients to a fully booked schedule in a matter of months, and it all started with what I learned here.If you’re serious about starting your own business and want todo it right, I highly recommend this course.

Rafal Brzezinski, Business Development Programme Graduate

As a participant in the Offaly Local Development Company’s Business Development Programme, I was an aspiring visual artist / art facilitator with a dream of having my own business. This programme offered comprehensive guidance and a strong support system. It helped me understand my skills and equipped me with the tools I needed to face the challenges and seize the opportunities of entrepreneurship. The programme gave me the flexibility to learn and grow at my
own pace. What truly set this course apart was how it equipped me with the latest tools, technologies, and even insights crucial knowledge for any modern business professional. The course didn’t just teach me business basics; it helped me transform my concept into a viable business and understand the importance of networking. I learned that opportunities are created, not just discovered, and built lasting connections that would prove invaluable in my entrepreneurial journey. A significant bonus was earning a QQI Level 5 certification in key business disciplines. The programme truly opened doors for me. I am a self-employed art facilitator now, thanks to the excellent training and support I received from Des Regan and his team. If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, this programme is your launchpad.

Emma Barone , Business Development Programme Graduate

I always knew I wanted to start my own business and make a career out of my passions. OLDC assisted greatly in this. It gave me the time to think about how the practical elements would work. The answers to awkward questions such as bookkeeping, registering a company, legal requirements, taxation etc, were never far away. All these things, when facing them on your own, can add up to a seemingly unsurmountable obstacle, that convinces you that you are better off staying in the day job you probably dislike. And then there is the comradery and craic with your fellowentrepreneurs and teachers. Honestly, I would do the course again for the sheer entertainment value alone! It is a very encouraging and supportive environment which is still grounded in the practical reality of setting up your own business. As with anything else in life: you get out what you put in. However to have that practical support and advice, close at hand, for those six months was very valuable to me. I am now the proud owner of Watershed Fly Fishing. I offer guided fishing trips on the River Shannon and it´s tributaries in Co. Offaly.
Fishing (and especially catching) brings out an unbridled joy in people that is a privilege to be able facilitate and witness.I have never come across a course as comprehensive or an environment as encouraging as the one offered by OLDC. I felt like someone actually believed in my idea. This passion extended to
almost a year and a half after the course finished, to when I was finally able to say “I now work for myself”! Des is Offaly´s very own Simon Squibb, so: What´s your dream?

Johannes Bulfin, Business Development Programme Graduate

My name is Matheus from Macro Media Studio, a local digital content producer in Tullamore. I’ve always dreamed of helping people tell their own stories
through my lens, but starting a business in a new country is not something easy. That’s why I’m so grateful to Offaly Local Development Company and their Business Development Programme. They didn’t just help me take my idea out of my head and turn it into a reality, but they also they gave me knowledge and
support to understand better, both the Irish market, and my own business vision. It’s good to know that you’re not alone, so if anyone has a business idea but you don’t know where to start, I highly recommend reaching out to Offaly Local Development Company because they truly make a difference!

Matheus Felicio, Business Development Programme Graduate

The Business Development Programme helped me to believe in myself and know that I can do it. I learned how to do things the right way:
How to track my income so I can always look back and see how much I earned at any given time.
To keep my business income separate because everything needs to be paid from that!
Keep track of my income, expenses, and everything that helps my work, like; how many clients I had in a week, how many were  regulars, and how many were new.
This allows me to analyse what I did well in a certain period and what I shouldn’t have spent money on!
How to advertise, how to sell myself, and if one type of advertisement doesn’t work, what other options I have.
Why and how to use different marketing strategies effectively.
How to turn my ideas and plans into a brand that everyone will recognise.
You even helped with how to learn as an adult, which is not as easy as when we were students and our brains absorbed information more quickly.
How to create a business plan—step by step, tailored to us, the participants at that time.
Thank you OLDC Business Development Programme!

Angela Holyo - Angiegrooming , Business Development Programme Graduate

From the initial phone call with Des, BDP Coordinator, and a subsequent interview and acceptance, my days became more positive. I had pitched an idea to bring Americans to Ireland. We had a mixed class; yoga, furniture design, personal trainers, carpentry, videographer, second hand motor bikes, ice cream
vendor and more. The first day was wonderful and exciting. We all shyly gave a short account of our idea, introduced ourselves and the rest flowed. Some of us had better computer skills than others but we were never made to feel inferior, and help was given sowillingly by Des and his colleague, Maureen. In total there were, if I can recall, 5 experts brought in to guide to us. All the financial aspects or the business administrationside of running a business. Keeping the books, sole trader v company, costing and pricings, tax, vat etc,etc. Marketing, Design and graphics using canva, how to set up your socialsonline and so much more. All practical and realistic scenarioswere presented.
The business development course run by OLDC with Des Reganas coordinator, and with visiting lecturers, is a bespoke and unique template for a fast track start up business.

Emma Lalor - Green Door Irish Tours , Business Development Programme Graduate