Small businesses and budding entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to sample six events aimed at helping them to start or grow their business as part of this year’s Local Enterprise Week in Carlow. 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 plenty of events in Carlow open to all. These events will focus on celebrating the diversity of Carlow’s enterprises and supporting their sustainability. A flavour of those taking part in Local Enterprise Week includes a lunchtime event to mark International Women’s Day, the final of the Carlow Student Enterprise Awards and a Business Panel hosted by Anton Savage.
According to Kieran Comerford, Head of Economic Development & Enterprise “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 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 from financial skills, raising funds, exporting and boosting your business online to future trends such as sustainability and digitalization.
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.
Cllr. Brian O’Donoghue, Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council added “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
Carlow – Local Event Schedule
Monday 6th March 2023 – 12 noon – Trading Online Voucher Seminar (Online)
The Trading Online Voucher (TOV) scheme is a financial incentive to small businesses to develop or enhance their ability to trade online. Under the scheme a qualifying business may apply for funding to a maximum value of €2,500 or 50% of eligible expenditure (exclusive of VAT), whichever is the lesser.
Booking Link: Trading Online Voucher Seminar - Local Enterprise Office - Carlow
Tuesday 7th March 2023 – 2pm – Student Enterprise Awards County Final
Second Level Students from across County Carlow battle it out to be the County Carlow representatives to go forward to the National Final of the Student Enterprise Awards
Wednesday 8th March – 11.00am to 12.30pm - GREEN, SUSTAINABILITY & COMPETITIVENESS
The Green Panel aims to inform, inspire, and engage owner managers and their key staff in how they can implement Green technologies, processes and products to their business in order to be more competitive.
Booking Link: The Green Panel 10 ways to address Green Issues & Be More Competitive - Local Enterprise Office - Carlow
Wednesday 8th March 2023 – 11.45am-2.00pm Powerhouse – International Women’s Day
Local Enterprise Office Carlow hosts the Powerhouse – Digital Marketing Event to mark International Women’s Day. The event will consist of a panel of successful women being Annette Fox CEO of Carlow County Development Partnership, Norah Ryan Managing Director of Barrow Consultancy & Training Carlow, Melissa Doyle Business Advisor in Carlow Local Enterprise Office and Joanne Sweeney as MC.
Booking Link: International Women's Day - Local Enterprise Office - Carlow
Thursday 9th March 2023 – County Final – National Enterprise Awards 2023
One SME will be chosen to go forward to the National Enterprise Awards. Shortlisted be announced shortly.
Friday 10th March 2023 – 12noon-2.00pm The Business Panel with Anton Savage
Carlow County Council - Local Enterprise Office in association with County Carlow Chamber are delighted as part of Local Enterprise Week to host "The Business Panel" with Anton Savage and an accomplished panel of entrepreneurs and business leaders including Rowena Dooley of Dooley Motors, Lynda Bolger of Flag Lane Marketing, Kieran Comerford, Local Enterprise Office, Seamus Lancester, Dolmen Precision & Engineering and Michael Quinn of Robert Quinn Limited.
The Panel will share their extensive knowledge, experience and advice and will consider challenges and opportunities which exist for businesses aiming to achieve success in the current conditions.
Booking link: The Business Panel with Anton Savage - Local Enterprise Office - Carlow
5 National Spotlight Events (Online & Free to attend)
Monday 6th March – 9:30am to 11.30am
FIRST STEPS TO EXPORT SUCCESS
Considering expanding into international markets? Or are you an early-stage exporter? Then this Spotlight event is for you. This webinar is designed to outline the steps to export success.
Tuesday 7th March – 9.30am to 1:00pm
YOU’RE THE BUSINESS @ LOCAL ENTERPRISE WEEK
No matter where you are on your digital journey, You're the Business is the programme to help you go further. As part of Local Enterprise Week, Google are hosting three online trainings, live from Google in Dublin, for businesses that are looking to Get Online, Grow Online, or Go Global.
Wednesday 8th March – 11.00am to 12.30pm
GREEN, SUSTAINABILITY & COMPETITIVENESS
The Green Panel aims to inform, inspire, and engage owner managers and their key staff in how they can implement Green technologies, processes and products to their business in order to be more competitive.
Thursday 9th March – 2.30pm to 3.30pm
DRIVE COST SAVINGS WITH LEAN
Looking for ways to improve competitiveness and productivity in your business? This online panel discussion is a must for all businesses ambitious for growth.
Friday 10th March – 10:00am to 11:30am
INNOVATE FOR BUSINESS SUCCESS
Innovate: to introduce improvements through new methods, ideas or products. Hosted by Noel Davidson of The Entrepreneurs Academy, this lively event will feature expert speakers. It will also outline the range of government and financial supports to drive innovation in your business.
For further information:
Kieran Comerford 086-8252037
