Enterprise Ireland’s Get Exporting Alumni Event
On Wednesday, October 1st, the Intercontinental Hotel in Dublin was buzzing with energy as Enterprise Ireland hosted its Get Exporting Alumni event. The day brought together a dynamic mix of Irish entrepreneurs, scale-up leaders, and export veterans to share their journeys, challenges, and triumphs in going global. Teri Smith provided the opening address as the Manager of local enterprise centre of excellence
Hosted by Jonathan Healy
Broadcaster and communications expert Jonathan Healy guided the day with his trademark clarity and warmth. He kicked off the event by introducing three keynote speakers who exemplify Irish export success:
- Edel Treanor from Mullan Lighting, who spoke about the power of storytelling and design in reaching international customers.
- Joe Borza from Energy Elephant, who shared how data-driven sustainability is opening doors in global markets.
- Jack Murray from Media HQ, who discussed the importance of brand visibility and media strategy when scaling abroad.
Their candid insights and shared experiences resonated deeply with attendees, offering both inspiration and actionable advice.
Each speaker emphasized the importance of knowing your value proposition and being able to articulate it in one clear sentence. This clarity not only helps in pitching to international clients but also resonates with partners, investors, and teams. They also stressed the need to know your audience, test your approach, and pivot when necessary a mindset that’s essential for navigating new markets.
A recurring theme throughout the day was the importance of resilience and persistence. Exporting isn’t a straight line, it’s a journey filled with learning curves, setbacks, and breakthroughs. The speakers reminded us that staying the course, adapting quickly, and believing in your mission are what truly set successful exporters apart.
NexGen Cyber’s Export Journey and how we support others
For us at NexGen Cyber, the Get Exporting course has been a transformative experience. It’s provided the structure, mentorship, and strategic clarity needed to refine our international growth plans. As a cybersecurity firm committed to excellence, the course has helped us sharpen our focus and build the confidence to scale.
Looking ahead, 2026 is shaping up to be a pivotal year. With our sights firmly set on the US market, we’re excited to execute our expansion strategy and bring our cybersecurity expertise to new clients and sectors abroad.
But our journey isn’t just about growth, it’s about supporting others on theirs. As Irish businesses expand into international markets, NexGen Cyber is uniquely positioned to help ensure they do so securely. As an Enterprise Ireland approved vendor, we provide cybersecurity audits backed by an Enterprise Ireland grant, helping companies demonstrate robust controls to international customers and partners. This not only strengthens trust but also supports compliance and competitive advantage in new markets.
👉To learn more about how we can support your export journey, visit: nexgencyber.com/cyber-grants/
Final Thoughts
The Get Exporting Alumni event wasn’t just a celebration, it was a catalyst. It reminded us that while the export journey can be complex, it’s also deeply rewarding. With the right support, mindset, and community, Irish companies can thrive on the global stage.
While it was a fantastic day to connect with peers and other businesses on the export journey, the event would not have been possible without the support of the amazing teams at Enterprise Ireland and OCO Global. Their dedication to helping Irish companies grow internationally continues to be a driving force behind so many success stories.
As Jonathan Healy closed the day, he left us with a powerful message: “You’re not just exporting products or services—you’re exporting Irish innovation, resilience, and ambition.”
