Is 2023 the year for you to start your own business ?

Carlow residents with ambitions for self-employment are being encouraged to explore how to start their own business in 2023.

As we enter 2023, economic factors such as the energy crisis are stabilising, meaning many people, including prospective entrepreneurs, can start to plan their future with more confidence. As a way of supporting prospective entrepreneurs, Carlow County Council’s Local Enterprise Office will deliver a series of Start Your Own Business programmes throughout 2023, with the first commencing on 3^rd March.

Start Your Own Business training is for people who believe they have a viable business idea and want support in developing their business plan. It consists of a series of training workshops and a one-to-one mentoring session over a period of a number of weeks. It will help participants in the early stage of business to develop their skills and understanding of what is required to start their own business and complete their business plan.

This year the Local Enterprise Office will alternate the times of Start Your Own Business programmes to recognise the time pressure participants are under and to ensure they can do the programme without the need to take time off from their existing jobs. The first programme will be delivered on a Friday night and then over two full Saturdays. The next programme will be delivered over 6 Wednesday nights and then each subsequent programme will alternate between these two delivery times. The Local Enterprise Office feels these options will make the Start Your Own Business programmes particularly attractive for people who have to juggle existing employment with researching their interest in self-employment.

Speaking about the programme, Cllr. Brian O’Donoghue, Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council said “Self-employment offers a huge opportunity for anyone interested in becoming their own boss. However it can be a daunting process for those who do not plan for it. Carlow County Council’s Local Enterprise Office has a range of supports for anyone considering self-employment and I would encourage everyone to avail of them. The Start Your Own Business programme, which will offer both group training and individual mentoring, gives a great understanding of the business start-up process for anyone interested in considering their options. As the son of a once self-employed father I know first hand the great rewards but also the great risks of self-employment and to be able to handle both, preparation is key.”

Carlow County Council’s Local Enterprise Office is the “First Stop Shop” service where individuals can receive advice on the steps involved in setting up a business, to the provision of grants for feasibility studies, provision of financial support for the establishment of new businesses or expansion of existing ones and the provision of a range of soft supports such as training and mentoring. The range of supports is designed to assist businesses to grow stronger and bigger by being able to provide targeted, and appropriate, assistance at each stage of their development.

Speaking about the supports of the Local Enterprise Office, Séamus Doran, Assistant Head of Economic Development & Enterprise said “Carlow has a significant talent pool of entrepreneurs and is the ideal environment for indigenous entrepreneurs to develop and grow. We at the Local Enterprise Office are delighted to assist where we can, both financially and with our expert mentors. Our Start Your Own Business programmes would make a great starting point to your self-employment journey.”

To engage with the Local Enterprise Office contact 059-9129783 or e-mail enterprise@carlowcoco.ie

Places on the Start Your Own Business Programme can be booked at https://www.localenterprise.ie/Carlow/Training-Events/Online-Bookings/

Further information – Kieran Comerford, 086-8252037

Is 2023 the year for you to start your own business ?