A big leap in the number of start-ups is expected in 2016, according to the Local Enterprise Office Kilkenny, which is planning to run 5 ‘Start Your Own Business’ training programmes including a food producer start-up programme during the Leap Year.

Based within the Local Authority Network, the Local Enterprise Office Kilkenny (LEO) is one of 31 offices around the country, set up as the ‘first-stop-shop’ for new start-ups and small businesses looking to grow. In 2015, 4,000 aspiring entrepreneurs benefited from more than 260  LEO ‘Start Your Own Business’ programmes, which were held across every county in Ireland.

Helping a new entrepreneur become ‘start-up ready’, typically these training programmes run over 5 weeks (i.e. either 2 nights per week or half-day sessions for 5 consecutive weeks ) focussing on how to prepare business plans, what market research and marketing tools are available, how to manage cash flow and making the most out of technology. According to the LEO, the majority of those completing the ‘SYOB’ programme successfully start up their own business, creating further employment in the local community.

The next programme is due to start on Tuesday evening 9^th February in 11 Patrick Street, adjacent to the Pembroke Hotel, and will be run 2 nights per week (i.e. Tuesday and Thursday evenings) for 5 consecutive weeks. The cost of this course is heavily subsidised by the Local Enterprise Office and places cost just €50 which include all training materials.

Sean McKeown, Head of Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office Kilkenny also highlighted all the other supports that are on offer to new-start-ups in 2016, such as grants, smart option business loans, microfinance loans, one-to-one mentoring and business advice clinics. He said: “Following on from two years of remarkable growth in the Irish economy, we’re encouraging anyone thinking of starting a business in 2016 to talk to the experts here at the Local Enterprise Office, to find out about the supports on offer and to sign up for the ‘Start Your Own Business’ training programme.”

More positive news for start-ups in 2016 comes from the ESRI, the Economic and Social Research Institute, which has revised upwards its outlook for the Irish economy in 2016, forecasting a growth rate of 4.8 per cent.* Ireland has also retained the fourth spot in the ‘Best Countries for Business’ world rankings, according to Forbes Magazine.

All 31 Local Enterprise Offices will be offering the ‘Start Your Own Business’ training programmes throughout 2016, with many scheduled to begin in January and February. More details around the courses and other supports on offer to start-ups through the Local Enterprise Offices are available through www.localenterprise.ie/kilkenny