Small businesses and budding entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to sample hundreds of events helping them to start or grow their business as part of this year’s Local Enterprise Week. The initiative of the Local Enterprise Offices, supported by Enterprise Ireland and the local authorities, takes place from the 6th-10th March this year across the country.
While there are hundreds of events taking place, there are 5 National Spotlight events that are available for free online, with one taking place each day of Local Enterprise Week. These events will focus on Exporting with Enterprise Ireland, Digital Skills with Google, Sustainability and Cost Saving with top green and lean consultants and how to innovate within your business.
There are some well known names taking part too including RTE broadcaster Richard Curran, former Irish international Packie Bonner, Broadcaster and entrepreneur Sonya Lennon and former Kilkenny managerBrian Cody who will focus on building and sustaining a winning team.
John Magee, recently appointed as the new chair of the network of Local Enterprise Offices, has encouraged businesses and anyone with a great idea to take advantage of the week. “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. 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 5 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 starting up. The events are open to all from budding entrepreneurs to established businesses and gives them 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 digitalization.
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 digitalization 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.
On behalf of the local government sector, Sonya Kavanagh, Chair of the CCMA 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.”
Details for all the events taking place across the country during Local Enterprise Week, from March 6th to 10th, are available at www.LocalEnterprise.ie/Week
5 National Spotlight Events (Online & Free to attend)
Monday 6th March – 9:30am to 11.30am
FIRST STEPS TO EXPORT SUCCESS
Considering expanding into international markets? Or are you an early-stage exporter? Then this Spotlight event is for you. This webinar is designed to outline the steps to export success.
Tuesday 7th March – 9.30am to 1:00pm
YOU’RE THE BUSINESS @ LOCAL ENTERPRISE WEEK
No matter where you are on your digital journey, You're the Business is the programme to help you go further. As part of Local Enterprise Week, Google are hosting three online trainings, live from Google in Dublin, for businesses that are looking to Get Online, Grow Online, or Go Global.
Wednesday 8th March – 11.00am to 12.30pm
GREEN, SUSTAINABILITY & COMPETITIVENESS
The Green Panel aims to inform, inspire, and engage owner managers and their key staff in how they can implement Green technologies, processes and products to their business in order to be more competitive.
Thursday 9th March – 2.30pm to 3.30pm
DRIVE COST SAVINGS WITH LEAN
Looking for ways to improve competitiveness and productivity in your business? This online panel discussion is a must for all businesses ambitious for growth.
Friday 10th March – 10:00am to 11:30am
INNOVATE FOR BUSINESS SUCCESS
Innovate: to introduce improvements through new methods, ideas or products. Hosted by Noel Davidson of The Entrepreneurs Academy, this lively event will feature expert speakers. It will also outline the range of government and financial supports to drive innovation in your business.
