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Since then, DotoBa has rolled out impactful initiatives:
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Intercultural Celebrations — full of live music, drumming, yoga, storytelling, and delicious cultural dishes, bringing communities together across Dublin and beyond.
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Virtual Business Networking — digital events giving immigrant entrepreneurs tips, tools, and connections to access funding and scale their ventures.
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Africa Day Spotlights — honouring African-led businesses and entrepreneurs living in Ireland, with features on inspiring individuals and celebrating innovation, resilience, and diversity.
Join us! Explore our events, peruse our gallery, and reach out for collaboration. We champion Sustainable Development Goals 1 (No Poverty), 8 (Decent Work & Economic Growth), and 9 (Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure) because thriving communities begin with inclusive opportunity.
Our Story
Down to Basics (DotoBa) began its journey in 2015 as a spirited social enterprise, founded by Catherine Mahoro Coughlan, it was dedicated to celebrating and supporting businesses launched by migrants in Ireland. It all started with an enchanting showcase of African Art, featuring 13 talented artists living across Africa and Ireland. Fuelled by success, the 2016 event officially launched by Joe Costello TD expanded over two vibrant weeks. Building on that momentum, in 2017, DotoBa curated the first Art Exhibition within Google HQ, an event inaugurated by David Stanton TD, spotlighting culture, creativity, and inclusion.
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As DotoBa blossomed, it hosted training sessions, talks, and workshops and soon recognized deeper, pressing issues affecting migrant communities. The decision to restructure and transform into a more focused NGO was made just before the arrival of unexpected global challenges.
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With the onset of COVID-19, many small businesses faced closures, financial strain, and an acute sense of uncertainty especially those under loan obligations. Behind the scenes, DotoBa pivoted to provide critical support training, referral services, and emotional encouragement. When the world began to reopen, DotoBa re-emerged in 2024 as a refreshed NGO, stronger and more determined than ever.
DotoBa’s foundation, built on volunteer spirit and diverse expertise, from leadership to operations continues to thrive with projects, partnerships, and advocacy in its DNA.
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Drawing from earlier efforts in (2016), focusing on challenges faced by migrant women entrepreneurs) and on challenges faced by Business owners and Entrepreneurs of People of African Descent (2024), DotoBa remains committed to community-driven research and policy influence shaping inclusive practices across the Irish entrepreneurial landscape.
