Small businesses and budding entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to sample a number of events aimed at helping them to start or grow their business as part of this year’s Local Enterprise Week in Co.Wicklow. The initiative of the Local Enterprise Offices nationwide, supported by Enterprise Ireland and the local authorities, takes place from the 6-10th March this year across the country.
While there are hundreds of events taking place nationally during the week, including 5 Spotlight events that are available for free online, there are plenty of events in County Wicklow open to all. These events will focus on Greening your Business and reducing overheads, digital marketing and trading online.
A flavour of those taking part in Local Enterprise Week includes:
Kathleen O’Regan, Sustainability Expert with Enterprise Ireland to speak about the advantages for businesses to reduce their carbon footprint and the supports on offer from the LEO and Maeve O’Rourke of SEAI will highlight the supports from the SEAI. Digital Marketing Expert Aisling Hurley, will deliver one to one online marketing clinics and building on that Michael Keogh of the Entrepreneurs Academy will deliver the Trading Online Voucher Seminar, to highlight the Trading Online support towards enhancing your business website.
Vibeke Delahunt, Head of Enterprise said: “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.
Tommy Annesley, Cathoirleach, Wicklow County Council, added: “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 in County Wicklow during Local Enterprise Week are available here.
