LEO MONAGHAN NOW SUPPORTING 166 SMALL BUSINESSES AND 1,036 JOBS IN TOTAL

Last week, the Minister of State for Employment, Small Business and Retail, Alan Dillon T.D., announced the 2025 annual results of the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs). The figures show that companies supported by Local Enterprise Office Monaghan created 90 new jobs in 2025, placing Monaghan 9th nationally for new posts created.

The net jobs figure for LEO Monaghan takes into account businesses that merged, ceased trading, or transitioned to Enterprise Ireland during the year. The report also highlights that LEO Monaghan now financially supports 166 small businesses across the county, collectively employing 1,036 people; marking the sixth consecutive year of employment growth.

Nationally, the Local Enterprise Offices now financially support 40,285 jobs across 7,148 companies, the highest since their establishment in 2014. In 2025, LEO client companies created 7,261 new jobs, with a net job’s creation figure of 2,479, representing a 7% increase on 2024. Notably, 82% of these new jobs were created outside the Dublin region.

Minister Alan Dillon T.D. remarked:

“The Local Enterprise Offices continue to be the backbone of local economic development, supporting 40,285 jobs in 2025, the highest level since their establishment. Last year alone, LEO client companies created 7,261 new jobs, delivering a 7% increase on 2024 and marking the 12th consecutive year of jobs growth.

Crucially, 82% of these new jobs were created outside Dublin, demonstrating the impact of targeted local supports in every region. From digitalisation to sustainability and export development, our LEOs are helping small businesses compete and scale. Government remains firmly committed to strengthening these supports so that entrepreneurs nationwide can continue to grow and thrive.”

The Local Enterprise Offices were central to supporting small businesses throughout 2025, helping thousands to secure funding, access training, upskill, and avail of supports to become more sustainable and competitive. Recent supports include the Grow Digital Voucher, enabling small businesses to begin their digital transformation, and the Market Explorer Grant, which helps companies identify new export markets.

Pamela Kerr, Head of Enterprise, Monaghan County Council, stated:

“The results announced underscore the vital role that Local Enterprise Offices continue to play in strengthening Ireland’s economic landscape, and Monaghan is no exception. Here in Monaghan, we are committed to backing local entrepreneurs at every stage, from early idea development right through to scaling and exporting.

Our focus is on providing the right mix of practical supports, expert guidance, and targeted investment so that businesses can grow with confidence. These job and client figures reflect only those who have received direct financial support and do not capture the thousands more who benefit from our Lean, Green and Digital supports, as well as training and mentoring. The numbers announced today are immensely positive and highlight the strength and ambition of our small business sector.

We look forward to expanding our work with these businesses in 2026 and helping those with great ideas take their first steps.”

Robert Burns, Chief Executive, Monaghan County Council, added:

“These results are a powerful demonstration of the strength and momentum within Monaghan’s enterprise community. The sustained growth in jobs and business activity reflects the talent, ambition, and innovation of our local entrepreneurs, backed by the dedicated supports of our Local Enterprise Office.

Monaghan County Council has a broad remit across economic development, infrastructure, community supports, and quality of life, and the success of our small businesses is central to all of it. As we move into 2026, we remain fully committed to creating the conditions where businesses can start, scale, and thrive ensuring Monaghan continues to be an excellent place to live, work, and invest.”

Cathaoirleach P.J. O’Hanlon said:

“These results reflect the incredible determination and innovation of small businesses right across Monaghan. Our Local Enterprise Office continues to deliver vital supports that help entrepreneurs turn ideas into real opportunities, creating jobs and strengthening communities. Monaghan has always had a proud enterprise spirit, and these figures show that it is thriving.”

The Local Enterprise Offices, located within local authorities and funded through Enterprise Ireland, support thousands of small businesses and entrepreneurs nationwide. Since their establishment in 2014, they have functioned as the first stop shop for small businesses, offering financial supports, mentoring, training, and sector-specific expertise at all stages of business development.

LEOs are currently encouraging small businesses to save time, money, and energy by availing of their competitiveness and productivity supports, including Lean, Green, and Digital for Business. For more information on Monaghan Local Enterprise Office, go to www.localenterprise.ie/monaghan.