Media Release
12th February 2024
15 EVENTS ANNOUNCED FOR CLARE’S LOCAL ENTERPRISE WEEK 2024
Small businesses and budding entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to sample 15 events aimed at helping them to start or grow their business as part of this year’s Local Enterprise Week in County Clare. The initiative of the Local Enterprise Offices nationwide, supported by Enterprise Ireland and the local authorities, takes place from the 4th to 8th March this year across the country.
While there are hundreds of events taking place nationally during the week, including two National Spotlight events that are available for free online, there are plenty of events in Clare open to all. These events will focus on Exporting, Sustainability, Leadership & Women in Business networking.
A flavour of those taking part in Local Enterprise Week includes Sarah Naylor & Bridget Haren of Bridget Haren Hair & Beauty Salon, Ennis will form a panel of speakers at our sustainability event for the hair, beauty & wellness sectors on Monday 4th March; Gerry Reynolds of Takumi, Nick Cotter of Cotter Agritech & Kieran McSharry of Straix will speak at our Export event on Tuesday 5th March; James McCluskey will present our Leadership event on Wednesday 6th March; & Sinead O’Brien of Sinead’s Curvy Style will host our Women in Business networking event on the Thursday 7th March.
Cathaoirleach, Clare County Council, Cllr Joe Cooney 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.”
The two National Spotlight events are open to everyone and can be accessed online. The first, “Understanding and leveraging future trends for your business” on Wednesday 6th March looks at what are the trends that will be emerging in the short and long term and how they will affect business. The session will also delve into how you can adapt and leverage these trends for business success.
The second spotlight event focuses on the area of sustainability. The “Sustainability imperative for business success” session on Thursday 7th March will look at how sustainability is becoming a bigger and bigger factor in business survival and success. Headlined by renowned broadcaster and science and environment expert, Liz Bonnin, it will show how the small changes in your business can make a big impact and most importantly how you can start.
Padraic McElwee, 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 two 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.
Details for all the events taking place across the country during Local Enterprise Week, from March 4th to 8th, are available at www.LocalEnterprise.ie/Week
For further information:
Email: localenterprise@clarecoco.ie
Tel: 087 4648402 / 065 6821616
