Kerry LEO see growth in economy

LOCAL ENTERPRISE OFFICE REPORTS POSITIVE YEAR OF BUSINESS GROWTH

THE Kerry Local Enterprise Office (LEO) has reported a successful 2017 as renewed confidence becomes evident in the small business sector.

Grant aid in the sum of €346,463 was approved in respect of 25 micro enterprises with the potential to create 69 full time jobs and 64 part time/ seasonal jobs.

This additional support will help retain an additional 38 jobs in supported businesses.

In addition, Kerry County Council spent a further €260,000 on the provision of a range of training initiatives. Almost 900 people took part in these events which included business start up training, business growth training, digital marketing and networking.

The Mentoring Programme made over 100 assignments across a range of disciplines including marketing, sales and digital marketing strategies.

The Food Academy Programme concluded in March with 13 early stage food producers completing the six month programme and were offered placements in SuperValu.

The newly introduced “Lean for Micro” Programme has also been met with strong enthusiasm by businesses.

In addition the LEO ran a vibrant Student Enterprise Programme which saw over 60 mini-businesses being set up by more than 200 second level school students around the county.

Meanwhile the office’s Online Trading Voucher Scheme has approved vouchers to 60 businesses to assist online trading initiatives. These vouchers have a value of up to €2,500 and successful clients indicate potential additional employment of up to 30 jobs as a result of online trading.

The national Microfinance Ireland loan fund was promoted locally and 15 businesses submitted applications for funding up to €25,000 each with the support of the office.

The LEO also launched the Ireland’s Best Young Entrepreneur Competition with over 60 Kerry based businesses competing for the prize fund of €50,000.

The winners of the local competition participated in regional finals.

Head of the Kerry LEO Tomás Hayes said 2017 had been a positive year for business growth across the county.

“It has been an interesting year for business and our office is seeing growing activity on the ground. Our supports are practical. There are positive stories in relation to new business and expansions. We need these stories. Our work is about supporting expanding businesses also,” he said.

“These projects will enable people to live, work and develop businesses in their own communities thereby contributing to rural development in a tangible way. We continue to have an excellent response to our programmes. The transformation to the Local Enterprise Office within Kerry County Council has now been completed and the ongoing promotion of our office will strengthen its impact,” said Mr Hayes.

2018 training schedules are currently under development and people can book on line at www.localenterprise.ie/kerry.