A big leap in the number of start-ups is expected in 2016, according to the Local Enterprise Office Leitrim which is planning to run six ‘Start Your Own Business’ training programmes during the Leap Year.
Based within the Local Authority Network, the Local Enterprise Office (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 6 weeks one evening per week 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 2nd February 2016 in Carrick on Shannon (venue still to be confirmed) and will be run over six weeks one evening per week. The cost of this course is heavily subsidised by the Local Enterprise Office and places cost just €40, which include all training materials.
Joe Lowe, Head of Enterprise of the Local Enterprise Office Leitrim highlighted all the other supports that are on offer to new-start-ups in 2016, such as grants, 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.”
Frank Curran, Chief Executive of Leitrim County Council stated that he would "encourage anyone interested in starting their own business or expanding an existing business to contact the Local Enterprise Office, located within the main Leitrim County Council campus at Carrick on Shannon. The Local Enterprise Office will provide direct financial assistance and advice on a range of funding options. The Local Enterprise Office provides advice, training and mentoring in relation to business startup and managing the business in the areas of sales, marketing, financial management, strategy and business planning."
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 supports on offer to start-ups through the Local Enterprise Offices are available through www.localenterprise.ie
