Enterprise Europe Network

Easier access to European business network for Donegal firms

Enterprise Europe Network

 

Access to EU funding, help with grasping EU rules and making international connections are all set to become easier for businesses in Donegal following the recent launch in Letterkenny of the Enterprise Europe Network. The project, co-funded under the “COSME” - an EU funding programme designed to encourage the competitiveness of European enterprises, is a joint national initiative with Enterprise Ireland and the Chambers of Commerce in Dublin and Cork and the launch at the Local Enterprise Offices has established Donegal Local Enterprise Office as the lead partner on behalf of the 31 Local Enterprise Offices throughout Ireland.

 

Head of Enterprise in Donegal, Michael Tunney said the network provides a great opportunity for business in the county to make new partnerships in a large number of locations across the globe.“The Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) can help Irish companies take the first step on the road to transnational success by providing a link to oversees connections".

 

The 600 branches are not just in Europe, but are across the globe including North and South America, Egypt, many Asian countries and recently New Zealand has been added. The network helps small businesses identify commercial or technology business partners in more than 60 markets, as well as providing information on EU legislation, programmes and policies.” Mr Tunney urged anyone with queries or seeking further information on EEN to contact the Donegal Local Enterprise Office: 074 91 60735 or e.mail: eileen.kelly@leo.donegalcoco.ie

 

Mayor of Donegal, Councillor Ciaran Brogan, suggested the project offers any business hoping to move into new markets a great opportunity. “There’s a great service on offer here, free of charge to business, whether it’s adding to your line of products or moving to the next stage to enter into new markets, all the help is available through your Local Enterprise Office here in Donegal. With the wide connection of contacts, information is available from over 60 countries on the legal requirements to enter into trading there and you will be making contact with legitimate business people should you wish to either buy or sell in any of the EEN network countries.”

 

Chief Executive of Donegal County Council, Seamus Neely, said that the Council is delighted with the addition of the Enterprise Europe Network to further enhance the wide range of services offered from the Local Enterprise Office in Donegal.“There are over 600 Enterprise Europe Network member offices across more than 60 countries providing business support to SMEs. Members such as chambers of commerce and industry, technology centres and universities, regional development and innovation agencies bring together around 4,500 local experts.The Network helps ambitious SMEs innovate and grow internationally, combining international business expertise with local knowledge to help them enter new markets, forge new commercial partnerships, access finance and grow faster. “Whether it is access to EU funding, help with grasping EU rules, making international connections or bringing your innovation to market, we at Donegal County Council are delighted to have the availability of the Enterprise Europe Network here to assist you,” he concluded.

 

 EEN Launch

 Photo includes L-R Councillor Gerry McMonagle - Letterkenny Municipal District Mayor, Eileen Kelly - Enterprise Europe Network Co-ordinator (Local Enterprise Office),  Michael Tunney - Head of Enterprise (Local Enterprise Office), Councillor Ciaran Brogan - Cathaoirleach of the County Donegal, Jan Gerritsen - Enterprise Ireland, Seamus Neely - Chief Executive Donegal County Council.