Do you want to play a key role in driving entrepreneurship across Ireland?

• Do you want to drive the development of local enterprise, putting local micro and small business at the heart of job creation in Ireland?
• Do you want to drive and support business start-ups and promote a ‘can-do’ business culture?
• Do you want to increase the job and export potential of new and existing micro and small businesses?

If so, then the Enterprise Ireland Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Graduate Programme is for you.

About the Programme

The Enterprise Ireland’s Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Graduate Programme is a two-year programme which offers graduates the opportunity to be part of the LEO project, to work closely with LEO customers, supporting them in starting exciting new businesses in Ireland and to drive and embed a culture of entrepreneurship.

The successful graduates will be employed by Enterprise Ireland but assigned to the various 31 Local Enterprise Offices around Ireland. The Local Enterprise Offices are based in the Local Authorities across the Country.

Key Responsibilities

Some of the areas of responsibility will be:

• Excellent Customer Service for LEO Client Companies: Establish strong links with local business community to ensure they understand the services and supports available. Establish networks/fora for sharing of information and support for entrepreneurs. Develop/manage website as a customer service and information tool.
• Manage Client Relationships: Work with an assigned group of client companies, understanding the company capabilities and sales opportunities in order to advise and influence business development strategy. Provide advice on the specific offers and supports available.
• Provide Research and Analysis by conducting sector and market research for client companies.
• Encourage and promote an enterprise culture through involvement in the Student Enterprise Awards or the Ireland's Best Young Entrepreneur award.
• Build Capability in Client Companies: Promote and encourage participation in relevant business development programmes to enhance management and business skills within client companies. Through the Centre of Excellence in Enterprise Ireland ensure that best practice is identified and shared across the network of LEOs.

About the LEOs

The establishment of the 31 Local Enterprise Offices in April 2014 represented one of the most radical and innovative steps taken by Government  to promote entrepreneurship, foster business start-ups, develop existing micro and small businesses and to drive job creation across Ireland. The LEOs are now the front window for all Government support for job creation and business development in every County in Ireland pulling together State agencies, Local Authorities and the private sector.

The LEOs work with their client companies to provide them with, or direct them to, the most appropriate supports to help them to start or grow their business. This includes providing financial support or identifying and directing them to other more appropriate sources of funding, and offering non-financial supports such as training and mentoring and much more.

More information available HERE