TEN EVENTS ANNOUNCED FOR KILKENNY’S LOCAL ENTERPRISE WEEK 2023

Lisa O’Rourke and John Mulcahy, Business Advisors at the Local Enterprise Office Kilkenny. Photo by Vicky Comerford.

Small businesses and budding entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to sample ten events aimed at helping them to start or grow their business as part of this year’s Local Enterprise Week in Kilkenny. The initiative of the Local Enterprise Offices nationwide, supported by Enterprise Ireland and the local authorities, takes place from the 6^th-10^th 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 Kilkenny open to all.  These events will focus on Business Development, Exporting, Finance and Innovation.

A flavour of those taking part in Local Enterprise Week includes Blaise Brosnan, MRI (Wex) for a Management Development Workshop focusing on Gaining business advantage during inflationary times.

Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Pat Fitzpatrick highlights how “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.”

Aileen McGrath, Head of Enterprise (Acting) for the Local Enterprise Office, Kilkenny County Council mentions “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 with Kilkenny hosting one on Friday the 10^th which are open to everyone that include experts from a range of industries.  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.

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.  

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.   

Details for all the events taking place across the country during Local Enterprise Week, from March 6^th to 10^th, are available at www.LocalEnterprise.ie/Week   or for a list of Kilkenny events visit www.localenterprise.ie/Kilkenny/.

5 National Spotlight Events (Online & Free to attend)

Monday 6^th 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 7^th 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 8^th 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 9^th 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 10^th 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.