About Export Development Programme:

Local Enterprise Office Wicklow have partnered with experts in new market development to deliver a capability building programme, to LEO client companies, designed to challenge and support you in scaling your export potential.

This Export Development Programme is not a course on the theoretical knowledge of what is needed to be export ready. It is a programme which has been carefully designed to guide and assist businesses along the process of entering export markets. 

This programme will provide you with access to experienced mentors and practical support for developing your export plan. It will also provide a forum where ambitious entrepreneurs can share their exporting experiences and challenges, get new perspectives, encourage collaboration and provide an opportunity to focus on growth opportunities in international markets.

Throughout the programme, you will gain:

• An understanding of how to explore new markets and the challenges involved in preparing your business for exporting
• An objective assessment of your business' export readiness and a tailored development plan
• Clearly defined growth and export objectives
• Key export and marketing skills to build sustainable capacity to export
• A fully developed and practical market entry action plan
• Active engagement with potential buyers
• Increased understanding of funding options for exporters.

What will the programme involve?

Over 3 months, the programme will deliver to you the following:

• A detailed export readiness assessment to determine your business' current capabilities and what you need to improve and develop to successfully grow your business through exporting.
• 6 half-day workshops providing you with key sales and export skills, as well as management training on how to embed these skills within the wider business team.
• 1-to-1 mentoring delivered over a period of 9 hours, split across 3 sessions, per participant to help you to develop your export plan.
• 1 day of market research activity per business, delivered to you by the HMC Global research team throughout the programme. This will help you to effectively evaluate markets, create prospective buyer lists, qualify customers and ensure your export plans are implemented in a timely manner.

The ultimate output of this programme will be a detailed, well researched, and actionable "Export Action Plan", which you may also use to underpin application for further public and private funding supports for export growth.

Suitable for:

This high value and high impact capability building programme is specifically designed for businesses with export growth ambitions - whether they are first time exporters, early-stage exporters or experienced exporters exploring new markets.

Eligible businesses based in Wicklow – will be established and trading for more than 2 years, engaged in manufacturing or providing a tradeable service with potential to trade internationally.

To Apply:

Email: vdelahunt@leo.wicklowcoco.ie 

If you have any questions regarding your eligibility, please email vdelahunt@leo.wicklowcoco.ie