County Cork Gears Up for Local Enterprise Week as 2,000 Attendees Anticipate Insightful Events

Local Entrepreneurs Rally for Growth – Over 160 Jobs Created in 2023

The Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Frank O'Flynn sitting next to a man and a woman on a bench

In the lead-up to next month’s Local Enterprise Week 2024, there's a palpable buzz in County Cork as 2,000 local business enthusiasts are tipped to secure their spots for a week filled with informative and transformative events.

At the launch of Local Enterprise Week which runs from March 4th – 8th, Cork County Council’s Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) shared positive outcomes from 2023, revealing that businesses in the region approved over €2million in grant aid and financial supports. More than half of this was for business expansion, with micro enterprise clients in manufacturing and internationally trading services creating 167 new jobs in the past twelve months.

The announcement took centre stage at the launch of Local Enterprise Week which will offer a variety of events including conferences, workshops, seminars, and business advice clinics, catering to both established business owners and those considering entrepreneurship.

Over the past year, Cork County LEOs organised more than 200 business training courses, reaching 2,700 business owners. Furthermore, 226 entrepreneurs participated in eighteen specialist "Start Your Own Business" Programmes, with many already planning to create jobs in the region this year. More than 1,000 business owners also benefited from free business advice clinics and mentoring sessions on various topics, including costing, marketing, exports, and more.

Local Enterprise Week will feature events covering topics such as "Steps to Self-Employment," and "Unlocking Competitiveness for North Cork Businesses” at Mallow GAA Complex,” “Peak Performance for Business with Derval O’Rourke and Rob Heffernan” at Castlemartyr Resort and “Benefits of Business Mentoring” at The Ludgate Hub, Skibbereen among others.

Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Frank O’Flynn welcomed the return of Enterprise Week for 2024,

County Cork is on the up, and we’re rallying behind our visionary business leaders and entrepreneurs who are igniting job creation and propelling their business forward. Local Enterprise Week is our grand showcase, inviting over 2,000 attendees to explore the myriad of supports that our Local Enterprise Offices provide.

Echoing the Mayor’s sentiment, Chief Executive of Cork County Council Valerie O’Sullivan said, 

Our bond with the business community is unbreakable, and we are honoured to tailor the week’s events to their needs and aspirations. As we gear up for Local Enterprise Week, we look forward to showcasing the best in business that County Cork has to offer.

Local Enterprise Week is a national event across 31 LEOs, targeting aspiring entrepreneurs, start-ups, and growing SMEs. The week showcases various events, fostering business growth, innovation, and networking.

Most events are not just enriching but also free of charge, making this week an unmissable opportunity for businesses. Register now through Cork's Local Enterprise Office websites https://www.localenterprise.ie/CorkNorthandWest/ and https://www.localenterprise.ie/SouthCork/ Follow LEO on social media or search #localenterprise for the latest updates.