Business support events set to take place during Local Enterprise Week
Small businesses and budding entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to sample a range of events aimed at helping them to start or grow their business as part of this year’s Local Enterprise Week in Wicklow.
The initiative of Local Enterprise Offices nationwide, supported by Enterprise Ireland and the local authorities, takes place from March 4 to 8.
A range of events open to all across County Wicklow will focus on green for business, sustainability, digital for business, exporting and start up business advice clinics.
A flavour of those taking part in Local Enterprise Week includes Maurice Bergin who will deliver a webinar on how to green in the hospitality and tourism business, Liz Bonnin, world-renowned Natural History and Environmental Broadcaster; Blaise Brosnan of MRI Wexford alongside case studies of successful businesses such as The Chocolate Garden, Ri Ra Brewery, ALS Safety and many more.
Cathaoirleach Councillor Aoife Flynn Kennedy commented: “Partaking in Wicklow’s Local Enterprise Week offers a chance for small businesses to focus on key areas, the areas where they can make a real difference for their future ambitions.
“This may be in relation to digitalization or becoming more sustainable, or those who have ambition to grow internationally and begin the journey identifying new markets. Engaging and networking with your peers along with training and upskilling is recommended if you are a business who wants to grow, internationalise, or innovate, then there is something for you at Local Enterprise Week.”
Emer O’Gorman, Chief Executive, Wicklow County Council, added: “Attending events, networking and training will give you insights and add to your knowledge on important topics that can make a real difference to your business.
“The week highlights the range of supports, advice and information available to businesses through their Local Enterprise Office. We would urge everyone to make the most of the week and engage with the team at the Local Enterprise Office throughout the year.”
Vibeke Delahunt, Head of Enterprise, LEO Wicklow, stated: “It’s an opportunity to take stock of where you are, see where you can grow, where you can innovate or maybe become more sustainable and see what resources are available on your doorstep. There is something for everyone and those who maybe always had that ambition to start on their own, or a great idea, this is the week to see how to get started and make it happen.
“There are hundreds of events taking place all over the country covering everything from exporting and digital to going green or growing that idea. We also have two National Spotlight events taking place online and open to everyone that include experts from a range of industries. So online or on your doorstep, I would encourage everyone to check out the schedule of events and get involved.”
The two National Spotlight events are open to everyone and can be accessed online. The first, ‘Understanding and leveraging future trends for your business’ on Wednesday, March 6, looks at what are the trends that will be emerging in the short and long term and how they will affect business.
The session will also delve into how you can adapt and leverage these trends for business success.
The ‘Sustainability imperative for business success’ session on Thursday, March 7, will look at how sustainability is becoming a bigger and bigger factor in business survival and success. Headlined by renowned broadcaster and science and environment expert, Liz Bonnin, it will show how the small changes in your business can make a big impact and most importantly how you can start.
Other events taking place include an expert in the field providing one-to-one sessions on ChatGPT and some other AI tools that are essential for business in 2024, taking place on Monday, March 4. One-to-one business advice for start-ups also takes place on the same date, from 6 p.m.
A trading online voucher seminar takes place on Tuesday, March 5, from 9.30am to 12.30pm, with one-to-one business advice for start-ups taking place from 10am. An advanced owner and manager development programme takes place from 8am on Thursday, March 7, with one-to-one business advice for start-ups taking place from 9.30am.