More than 10,000 attendees are expected to participate in over 300 events nationwide for Local Enterprise Week 2023, taking place this week from 6-10 March.

Now in its ninth year, the initiative aims to give entrepreneurs the chance to sample events that will help them to start or grow their own business. The event is supported by Enterprise Ireland and local authorities.

All this year's events support the themes of innovation and competitiveness, market diversification and export development, digitisation, and sustainability.

Experts will be on hand to offer advice in key areas of business from financial skills, raising funds, exporting and boosting your business online, to future trends such as sustainability and digitalisation.  

Other guest will include RTÉ broadcaster Richard Curran, fashion editor Deirdre McQuillan, former Ireland international Packie Bonner, broadcaster and entrepreneur Sonya Lennon, sports journalist Brent Pope, and former Kilkenny manager Brian Cody.

In Association with

Five National Spotlight events will also be free to attend online, one for each day of Local Enterprise Week, focusing on exporting with Enterprise Ireland, digital skills with Google, sustainability and cost saving with top consultants.

Local Enterprise Week is a fantastic opportunity for SME’s and potential entrepreneurs to gain further insight, knowledge and build connections, with over 300 informative events taking place across the country, said John Magee, chair of the network of Local Enterprise Offices.

"In Ireland there is a huge appetite for a career in business, and Local Enterprise Week will help educate and showcase how this can become a reality for many, alongside all of the different supports available through the Local Enterprise Office.

"I encourage all businesses or anyone with a great idea to take advantage of the events taking place. This is a week to learn more, see how to get started and how to make it happen.”

Each of the 31 Local Enterprise Offices will be running a full programme of events. Last year over 11,000 businesses availed of Local Enterprise Office mentoring support, while over 42,000 received LEO training and capacity development supports.

In 2022, over 4,000 enrolled in the Start Your Own Business programme, over 370 in the Lean for Micro programme, and over 400 in the Green for Micro programme.

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's 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 (from left) 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)