Carlow reaches out to diaspora to help create local jobs

Businesses in Carlow have joined up with the Carlow County Council’s - Local Enterprise Office and ConnectIreland in order to showcase why people should spread the word about Carlow as a business location.

ConnectIreland, the company responsible for delivering the Government’s Succeed in Ireland initiative in association with IDA Ireland, teamed up with the Carlow County Council’s - Local Enterprise Office in order to encourage people to register as connectors and promote Carlow.

The diaspora project, supported by the Department of the Taoiseach through the Diaspora Engagement Fund, encourages people to reach out to their networks and see if they know any international companies considering expansion. 

Two local companies took part in a specially commissioned promotional video alongside Kieran Comerford of Carlow Local Enterprise Office.

David Walsh of Netwatch and Rachel Doyle of Arboretum: Home and Garden Heaven lent their expertise to the video, praising Carlow as a business location. “I’m often asked why did Netwatch set up our headquarters here in Carlow, I think a more appropriate question is ‘why not Carlow?’” explained David, who added that Carlow is perfectly located for business.

Rachel agreed that Carlow has “everything on its doorstep”. “It’s a great county to bring up a family in; it’s a great place to live, to work and to have fun,” she continued.

The video will be shared online in order to reach as wide an audience as possible, while a persuasive brochure outlining Carlow’s business strengths and the reasons to become a connector was also created as part of the project.

To date, ConnectIreland has been responsible for helping to attract over 60 international companies to establish operations in Ireland. By registering as a connector and referring a company to ConnectIreland, you could help to create jobs. When a company successfully establishes in Ireland, the connector who made the introduction stands to receive up to €1,500 per job created, to a maximum of 100 jobs.

“We want the people of County Carlow to get behind this campaign and reach out to their networks and promote our local area. Rather than saying ‘have you considered Ireland for business?’ why shouldn’t you say ‘have you considered Carlow?’ There is a lot here to entice companies, large and small, to establish in Carlow,” explained Kieran.

Joanna Murphy, ConnectIreland CEO, praised Carlow’s proactive approach. “Carlow has a lot to offer and the people of Carlow have always been proactive in promoting their county. We are delighted to work with Kieran, David and Rachel on this project and we look forward to many exciting introductions that will no doubt come from Carlow connectors.”

Register as a connector today and you could help bring jobs to Carlow as well as earning a financial reward. For more information, log on to www.connectireland.com.