Hundreds of events have been announced to assist small businesses and entrepreneurs as part of Local Enterprise Week, organised by Local Enterprise Offices with support from Enterprise Ireland and local authorities.
Local Enterprise Week will take place from 6-10 March across the country, with five National Spotlight events taking place for free online, one for each day of the event.
The event will focus on exporting with Enterprise Ireland, digital skills with Google, sustainability and cost saving with top consultants, and how to innovate within your business.
The likes of RTÉ broadcaster Richard Curran, former Ireland goalkeeper Packie Bonner, broadcaster and entrepreneur Sonya Lennon, and former Kilkenny manager Brian Cody will also take part.
“Local Enterprise Week is a fantastic marker in the road for any business. It’s an opportunity to take stock of where you are, see where you can grow, where you can innovate or maybe become more sustainable and see what resources are available on your doorstep," said John Magee, chair of the network of Local Enterprise Offices.
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"There is something for everyone and those who maybe always had that ambition to start on their own, or a great idea, this is the week to see how to get started and make it happen.
“There are hundreds of events taking place all over the country covering everything from exporting and digital to going green or growing that idea. We also have five National Spotlight events taking place online and open to everyone that include experts from a range of industries.
"So online or on your doorstep, I would encourage everyone to check out the schedule of events and get involved.”
Each of the 31 Local Enterprise Offices will be running a full programme of events in their area that will tackle a variety of areas relevant to small businesses and start-ups.
The events are open to all and will give SMEs the opportunity to get expert advice on key areas of business from financial skills, raising funds, exporting and boosting your business online to future trends such as sustainability and digitalisation.
Deirdre O’Neill, senior regional development executive with Enterprise Ireland, said: “Enterprise Ireland is delighted to support and be involved in Local Enterprise Week.
"Working closely with the Local Enterprise Offices across the year, this week is a chance for small businesses to focus on key areas, the areas where they can make a real difference for their future ambitions.
"This may be in relation to digitalisation or becoming more sustainable, or those who have ambition to grow internationally and begin to find new markets.
"If you are a business who wants to grow, internationalise or innovate, then there is something for you at Local Enterprise Week and we would encourage every small business out there to see what is happening in their area this year and take that next step."
Sonya Kavanagh, chair of the County and City Management Association business, tourism, enterprise, innovation and urban/town economic renewal committee, said: “Local Enterprise Week offers a great opportunity for anybody who wants to start or grow their business to get inspired and motivated.
"Events during the week will give you insights and add to your knowledge on important topics that can make a real difference to your business competitiveness. The week also puts a spotlight on the range of supports, advice and information available to businesses through their Local Enterprise Office.
"We would urge everyone to make the most of the week and to remember that your Local Enterprise Office is also available year-round to help your business to thrive.”
Photo: Local Enterprise Office clients (l-r) Catriona Cullen, Cullen Nurseries (LEO Carlow); Lucia McCabe, Seamoss Sublime and Frank Kavanagh, Cloudpicker Coffee (LEO Dublin City) at the launch of the 2023 Local Enterprise Week in Dublin. (Pic: Peter Houlihan/Coalesce)
