BWG Foods has marked a major milestone in its commitment to the future of Irish retail with the successful graduation of the first group of its NextGen Entrepreneurs Programme, while simultaneously welcoming a new intake of participants to the innovative initiative.
Designed to support the next generation of retail leaders and entrepreneurs, the BWG NextGen Entrepreneurs Programme was launched as a bespoke succession and leadership development course, tailored specifically to the needs of Ireland’s independent retail sector. The completion of the inaugural programme represents a significant achievement for both participants and mentors, and reinforces BWG’s long-term investment in people, capability and entrepreneurship.
A total of 26 participants completed the 2024/25 programme, which ran over eight months and combined academic learning, hands-on experience and real-world retail application. The programme was delivered in partnership with Dublin City University (DCU) and supported by 16 mentors, drawn from both BWG Foods and independent retailers.
Participants also completed 12 days of DCU lectures and took part in an international study trip to the Netherlands, gaining first-hand exposure to international retail formats, innovation and best-in-class execution. At the heart of the programme were its three defining pillars: Networking, Education and Mentorship, enabling participants to build strong peer networks, gain rigorous academic insight and benefit from one-to-one guidance from experienced retail leaders.
The structure of the course blended theoretical learning with practical, on-the-job application, ensuring participants could immediately apply insights within their own businesses and roles. Core modules included entrepreneurial mindset, strategy and business model development, leadership and team management, financial management, retail operations, innovation, customer experience, change management, and technology and digital transformation.
The mentoring element of the programme, led by senior leaders across BWG, has been a cornerstone of its success. This initiative has provided participants with invaluable guidance, real-world insights, and the opportunity to learn directly from experienced professionals. This mentoring approach will remain an ongoing commitment, ensuring that as the next generation of leaders emerges, they receive the support, knowledge and confidence required to thrive in a dynamic and competitive environment.
Commenting on the success of the first graduating class, Peter Donohoe, Chief People Officer, BWG Foods said: “The graduation of our first NextGen Entrepreneurs Programme cohort is a significant milestone for BWG and for the independent retail sector. This programme is about more than education, it’s about building confidence, capability and long-term sustainability for future retail leaders. The engagement, ambition and practical application demonstrated by the participants throughout the programme has been exceptional, and we are excited to see how they apply these learnings in their businesses and careers.”
Following the success of the inaugural programme, BWG has now welcomed a second intake of 21 participants, who have already commenced the programme. The new cohort, who started with a look-and-learn trip to the Netherlands, will follow the same blended learning model, combining theory-led education with hands-on retail application, mentoring and peer collaboration.
The launch of the second class reflects both the strong demand for the programme and its relevance in an increasingly complex retail environment, where leadership capability, commercial discipline and adaptability are essential.
By investing in initiatives such as the NextGen Entrepreneurs Programme, BWG Foods continues to demonstrate its commitment to developing entrepreneurial talent, supporting succession planning and strengthening the long-term future of Ireland’s independent retail sector.
