16^th January 2024

LOCAL ENTERPRISE OFFICE KILKENNY NOW SUPPORTING OVER 185 SMALL BUSINESSES AND 1,100 JOBS ACCORDING TO NEW FIGURES

• 53 new jobs created in 2023

Today, Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail, announced the annual results of the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) for 2023 which showed that Local Enterprise Office Kilkenny supported businesses created 53 jobs in 2023, which takes into account companies that amalgamated, ceased trading and those that transferred on to Enterprise Ireland.  

Nationally, in 2023 there were 6,640 new jobs created by LEO clients companies with a net jobs creation figure of 2,131. 

The LEOs also provide substantial funded supports to thousands of other small businesses across the country with programmes such as the Trading Online Voucher, Lean for Business and Green for Business along with training and mentoring.      

Minister Neale Richmond, T.D., said; “I have been fortunate enough to visit many Local Enterprise Offices and I have seen first-hand the superb quality of their mentorship and supports, and the impact they have on the businesses and entrepreneurs they support. These results are a testament to our Local Enterprise Offices; ten consecutive years of job growth is a major accomplishment that reminds us how crucial their support is both for new businesses, but also in helping existing businesses to grow.

“With 82% of new jobs created outside of Dublin, it is clear that our Local Enterprise Offices are supporting businesses right across Ireland. What is also evident is the resilience of Ireland’s fantastic small businesses that have continued to adapt to an ever-changing business environment.

”This Government is committed to backing business and will continue to work closely with small businesses, support their growth, help them to find new markets and to stimulate job growth and the Local Enterprise Offices have a key role to play here.  Today’s results show that we are moving in the right direction, and I have no doubt that our Local Enterprise Offices will be there to support businesses at every turn.”

The Local Enterprise Offices were to the fore in supporting small businesses across the country in 2023, helping thousands to pivot online or adapt their products and services through a large suite of supports.  They Local Enterprise Offices offering training and mentoring in a range of areas from financial skills and product innovation to starting your own business and maximising your presence online.    

Commenting after the announcement, Acting Head of Enterprise, Aileen McGrath said “The results announced today are a testament to Ireland’s small business community.  We are seeing new opportunities for Irish businesses here and as always with tough economic periods we see new ideas and companies emerge and flourish.  This year will be no different and as we continue to work closely with Enterprise Ireland to ensure our small businesses get the best possible supports.” 

Carol Gibbons Head of Regions and Local Enterprise, at Enterprise Irelandsaid; “2023 was a challenging year for business and these very positive employment results are a testament to the dedication and commitment of the LEO network across the country and the ambitious businesses it supports. 

“Key to the success of the LEO network is the close relationship it fosters with both start-up and scaling businesses across communities.  Enterprise Ireland will continue to work closely with the LEO network in 2024 to ensure that all businesses can access the support and advice they need to start, grow and win in all markets.”

The Local Enterprise Offices funded through Enterprise Ireland support thousands of small Irish businesses and entrepreneurs nationwide. The Local Enterprise Offices are also running a campaign encouraging small businesses to save time money and energy by availing of their competitiveness and productivity supports including Green, Lean and Digital for Business.  www.AllInADaysWork.ie  For more information on Local Enterprise Office Kilkenny go to www.LocalEnterprise.ie/Kilkenny