Press Release for Immediate Release – 11th March 2021
Local Enterprise Office Training & Business Development Programme - Needs Analysis 2021-2023
Framework for investment in focused capacity development of County Carlow Business Community published
Carlow County Council have today (11th March 2021) published its Training & Business Development Programme Needs Analysis for the Carlow County Council for its Local Enterprise Office 2021-2023. The Needs Analysis is a research-based needs analysis which has been developed to guide the delivery of training and business development programmes to the Business Community in County Carlow during 2021-2023 by the Local Enterprise Office supported under the Council’s Service Level Agreement with Enterprise Ireland.
Annually the Local Enterprise Office, invest over €100,000 in a suite of Start Up & Development Programmes which are provided to the business community at a low to no cost way. The research will see the development of new local programmes suited to the business community which will launched during 2021.
Welcoming the publication of the report , Cllr. Tom O’Neill, Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council said “I welcome the publication of this report which will ensure that Carlow County Council responds effectively to the needs of our business community and people considering starting their own business”. The Cathaoirleach continued to say “With the challenges associated with the economic recovery from Covid-19 and challenges and opportunities faced with Brexit, as the local First Stop Shop for delivery of supports at County Level in consultation with key stakeholders this research has been developed to guide the development of new programmes which meet the needs of the business community”.
The research process was conducted by Bridgewater and its strategic partner, the Discovery Partnership, who are specialists in business engagement. They engaged with over 200 companies in the development of this report. In tandem with this process key agencies and partners were consulted in respect of potential opportunities as well as internal stakeholders in Carlow County Council. The analysis outlines some of the challenges and opportunities which the LEO believes currently face the business community within the county and thus the country.
Speaking about the report, Kieran Comerford , Head of Economic Development & Enterprise with the Local Enterprise Office said “I’d like to thank the business community and our key stakeholders for engagement in this process”. The Head of Economic Development & Enterprise continued to say “It is essential as a Local Enterprise Office we respond effectively to the needs of the business community and this research will ensure our work with these organisations is directed in order maximise the potential of the small and micro business across the county which will strengthen their sustainability and give them confidence to enter export markets”.
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For further information contact Kieran Comerford on 086-8252037 or e-mail kcomerford@carlowcoco.ie
