#MakingItHappen: Local Enterprise Week goes virtual for 2021!
Local Enterprise Week is brought to you by your Local Enterprise Office and supported by Enterprise Ireland and the local authorities. It is an initiative of the Government of Ireland.
A spokesperson from Cork LEO North & West outlined what the week will consist of.
“Yes, we run Enterprise-related events every week from January – December. However, Enterprise Week is an opportunity to promote the supports we have available and to give clients a chance to engage in as many events as possible for their business.
“The events are open to entrepreneurs with a business idea as well as to those already trading and in business, both sole traders and limited businesses. The business advice clinics are ideal for entrepreneurs while some of the other events are suitable for start-ups and established businesses.”
“This year’s schedule includes ten National ‘Spotlight’ events, which are organised by individual Local Enterprise Offices and open to every business, regardless of your business location. You need to pre-register for these Spotlight events as there will be limited availability: https://www. localenterprise.ie/week
“We continue to support women in business and to assist in narrowing the gap between female and male entrepreneurs. Annually we run a Women in Business Programme for female entrepreneurs across all sectors. We also celebrate National Women’s Day in October annually, and of course International Women’s Day each March.”
The the event on March 5 will include a discussion with inspiring Cork women in business. They include: Dr Paula Gaynor, Somega; Diane Carton, Saille Baskets and Barbara O’Sullivan SHOOZZ. To add to the event, Sonia Deasy, Pestle & Mortar will be interviewed and will share the challenges she faced with her award winning international business.
It will also include a Q&A whereby those attending can engage and ask questions. The theme of this year’s event is ‘Choose to Challenge’ - #ChoosetoChallenge | #IWD2021. This is a must attend event whether you have a business idea, are an early stage entrepreneur, a new startup or a growing and established female-led business.
THERE TO SUPPORT YOU
“The last 12 months has been challenging for small businesses. Enquiries have been non-stop since the start of the pandemic in March 2020. Our Trading Online Voucher
Scheme has helped to fund 100s of West Cork businesses to trade online. It means small local businesses can now sell online while their shops remain closed.
“2021 is continuing to challenge our clients but we are here to support them as best we can with free online training, mentoring, business advice clinics, funding supports (subject to eligibility criteria) and our Brexit supports. We look forward to meeting more North Cork micro-enterprises during Enterprise Week 2021”, the spokesperson said.
Visit www.localenterprise.ie/ corknorthandwest.