Cork businesses are being invited to take part in a series of events being run as part of Local Enterprise Week 2025.
The week will see over 350 events take place across the country that are open to everyone at any stage of business.
The events designed to help small businesses and entrepreneurs will run between March 3rd to 7th.
Special guests during the Cork week include the first Night Czar of London, who is responsible for ensuring London is a thriving city at night-time, and the owner of a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Dr. Niall O’Keeffe, Head of Enterprise at the Local Enterprise Office, Cork City, said: “What we try to do every year is to organise events that meet the needs of businesses that are facing significant challenges from all quarters.
"So, we endeavour to give tips and ideas on how to drive down costs and how to increase revenues and there’s a mix of programmes like that. We have a couple of novel events this year.
"One in particular is a speed mentoring event in City Hall where you can meet up with experts in particular areas.
"We also have a range of information sessions around starting a new business, innovation and creativity. All our events are free to attend but pre-booking is essential as places are limited.”
One of the events Enterprise After Dark, aimed at businesses that work after dark, takes place at the Clayton Hotel on Lapp’s Quay on Tuesday.
Keynote speakers include restauranteur and author, JP McMahon, and Night Czar of London City, Amy Lamé, who will join Night Time Economy Advisor for Cork City Council, Fiona Collins, in examining some of the needs of businesses that work into the night.
Another highlight of the week is a workshop on Wednesday, in 1 Horgan’s Quay using LEGO bricks to encourage creative thinking, problem-solving and collaboration.
Building your Entrepreneurial Mindset with LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® will be facilitated by Dr. Briony Supple, a Senior Lecturer in Design Thinking at the School of Education, University College Cork.
It is aimed at people who want to enhance their problem-solving, creativity, and adaptability skills.
Dr. Fiona Barry will be discussing why so many of us feel ‘tired but wired’, the impact of chronic stress on our health and what we can do about it.
Lord Mayor, Cllr. Dan Boyle, says it’s an important week as it highlights the critical role of local enterprise in Cork City.
He said: “The ability to upscale, the ability to know how and from whom and the whereto - that’s why the Local Enterprise Office exists and we’re quite proud of the services that are offered by the Local Enterprise Office here in Cork City.
"I think the week itself is an opportunity for those we want to see operating more efficient businesses, and indeed more businesses, to learn from the direct experiences of people in the Local Enterprise Office and those who are involved in the local economy already.”
To find Cork City’s complete programme of events for Local Enterprise Week and to book your place online, visit localenterprise.ie/cork city
Photo: Clare Keogh
