‘County Cork is on the up’
Businesses in Cork county approved more than €2 million in grant aid and financial support last year, it was revealed at the launch of this year’s Local Enterprise Week.
More than half of this was for business expansion, with micro enterprise clients in manufacturing and internationally trading services creating 167 new jobs in the past 12 months.
Cork County Council’s Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) made the announcement as it shared details of this year’s Local Enterprise Week which runs from 4-8 March and will offer a variety of events including conferences, workshops, seminars, and business advice clinics, catering to both established business owners and those considering entrepreneurship.
Over the past year, Cork County LEOs organised more than 200 business training courses, reaching 2,700 business owners. Furthermore, 226 entrepreneurs participated in 18 specialist Start Your Own Business programmes, with many already planning to create jobs in the region this year.
More than 1,000 business owners also benefited from free business advice clinics and mentoring sessions on various topics, including costing, marketing, exports, and more.
Local Enterprise Week will feature events covering topics such as Steps to Self-Employment, and Unlocking Competitiveness for North Cork Businesses at Mallow GAA Complex, Peak Performance for Business with Derval O’Rourke and Rob Heffernan at Castlemartyr Resort and Benefits of Business Mentoring at The Ludgate Hub, Skibbereen among others.
Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Frank O’Flynn said: “County Cork is on the up, and we’re rallying behind our visionary business leaders and entrepreneurs who are igniting job creation and propelling their business forward.
“Local Enterprise Week is our grand showcase, inviting over 2,000 attendees to explore the myriad of supports that our Local Enterprise Offices provide.”
Chief Executive of Cork County Council Valerie O’Sullivan said: “Our bond with the business community is unbreakable, and we are honoured to tailor the week’s events to their needs and aspirations.
“As we gear up for Local Enterprise Week, we look forward to showcasing the best in business that County Cork has to offer,” she added.
Local Enterprise Week is a national event across 31 LEOs, targeting aspiring entrepreneurs, start-ups, and growing SMEs.
The week showcases various events, fostering business growth, innovation, and networking. For more infomation or to register for an event, see localenterprise.ie.