Aimed at anyone thinking of starting a business, new start-ups and growing SMEs, over 300 events are being planned across every county in Ireland including workshops, seminars, networking evenings and business advice clinics.

The first-ever Local Enterprise Week will also showcase the wide range of supports available to Ireland's small business community, from grants to mentoring and from training to business advice.

The Local Enterprise Offices, which are the first-stop-shop for Ireland’s small businesses, are the driving force behind Local Enterprise Week, working in partnership with other state bodies and agencies, third level institutions, Chambers of Commerce, Community Enterprise Centres and the private sector.

The full calendar of events for Local Enterprise Week will be available through www.localenterprise.ie /Kilkenny and by searching #localenterprise on social media. Some events are free of charge and all local businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs are invited to take part.