Small businesses and budding entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to sample 16 events aimed at helping them to start or grow their business as part of this year’s Local Enterprise Week in South Dublin. The initiative of the Local Enterprise Offices nationwide, 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 nationally during the week, including 5 Spotlight events that are available for free online, there are also plenty of events in South Dublin open to all to attend, the majority of which are in person, with great presenters and great networking opportunities.
The programme includes events with a focus on business trends, together with development and growth opportunities for specific sectors including Food, Creative Industry and Social Enterprise and with topics for small business to concentrate on key areas of their business, which can make a real difference to 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. There is also the opportunity to get expert advice on what steps you need to get started if you are thinking of starting your own business as well as opportunities to meet with experts to discuss key areas of business from financial skills, raising funds and boosting your business online.
A flavour of those taking part in Local Enterprise Week includes keynote presentations from former Kilkenny Team Manager Brian Cody on ‘Building and Sustaining a Winning Team in Business’ and with the growth in the Creative and Digital business sector in the county, Lorraine Bowen together with some of our fantastic creative individuals will tell you about what it takes to grow a business in this sector. James Burke from Dublin Food Circle will be joined by a panel of experts [from Bord Bia and Tesco] to discuss Future Food Trends 2023 and John Kearns from Partas and a panel which includes Carol Gibbons, Enterprise Ireland and Angela Ruttledge, Food Cloud will examine the model on Building the Business of Social Enterprise [and opportunities for scaling and international expansion].
Tom Rooney, Head of Enterprise South Dublin 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. We have an incredible line up of presenters and business owners across our many events which have been organised in collaboration with some of our key business support partners in the county. 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.
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”.
Danny McLoughlin Chief Executive South Dublin County Council 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
Pictured: Sandra Hickey (South Dublin LEO Business Advisor), Tom Rooney (Head of Enterprise at South Dublin Local Enterprise Office), Cllr. Emma Murphy Mayor of South Dublin, Danny McLoughlin (SDCC Chief Executive),
