Cork County Council LEO's Cork North & West and South Cork Clients support over 2,270 Jobs in 2022
Local Enterprise Offices Cork North & West and South Cork now supporting over 433 small businesses and 2,272 jobs according to new figures
- 493 new jobs created in 2022
- 7.5% job increase from 2021
- 9th year of Year on Year jobs growth
- Net employment gain of 228 in 2022
- 433 total small businesses employing 2,272 people supported by Local Enterprise Offices Cork North & West and South Cork
Today, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Simon Coveney TD, announced the annual results of the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) for 2022, which showed that Local Enterprise Offices Cork North & West and South Cork supported companies created 493 jobs in 2022. This figure was up significantly from the 442 that were created by Cork County LEO’s in 2021.
The net jobs created by Cork County Council’s Local Enterprise Offices supported clients in 2022 was 228, which takes into account companies that amalgamated, ceased trading and those that transferred on to Enterprise Ireland.
The new figures show that the Local Enterprise Offices Cork North & West and South Cork financially supported 433 small businesses in their portfolio across the county, these companies in turn employ 2,272 people.
The total national figures for the Local Enterprise Offices across the country were announced with the LEOs now supporting 37,863 jobs across 7,221 companies. In 2022 there were 7,870 new jobs created by LEO client’s companies with a net jobs’ creation figure of 3,447. This was up 10% nationally on 2021. From the jobs created, 84% were outside of the Dublin region.
The LEOs also provide substantial funded supports to thousands of other small businesses across the country with programmes such as the Trading Online Voucher, Lean for Micro and Green for Micro along with training and mentoring.
Simon Coveney, T.D., Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, said; “These results show the significant role the Local Enterprise Offices are playing in not only creating new businesses and jobs but also in sustaining them. On the back of some of the most difficult years for small businesses we are still seeing growth across the country. During the pandemic we saw how essential the LEOs were to small businesses, and they will be essential as we navigate the ongoing cost of living and energy crises.
With 84% of new jobs being created outside of Dublin it reinforces the Government’s strategy to strengthen employment throughout Ireland. As the remit of the Local Enterprise Offices has now broadened to companies up to 50 employees, even more SMEs will be able to avail of their supports, but also their expertise in growing enterprise in towns and villages across the country.”
The Local Enterprise Offices were to the fore in supporting small businesses across the country in 2022, helping thousands to pivot online or adapt their products and services through a large suite of supports. They Local Enterprise Offices offering training and mentoring in a range of areas from financial skills and product innovation to starting your own business and maximising your presence online.
Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Danny Collins welcomed the results saying,
Jobs are always welcome in the towns and villages throughout the County of Cork. It is so important that small businesses are supported as they in turn make for thriving dynamic communities throughout the county. Our Local Enterprise Offices are making a real difference on the ground.
Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Tim Lucey said,
The Local Enterprise Offices located in the local authorities and funded through Enterprise Ireland support thousands of small Irish businesses and entrepreneurs nationwide. Since their establishment in 2014 they have been for the first stop shop for entrepreneurs and small businesses and providing a range of supports including financial, mentoring, training and sector specific expertise to help guide businesses at any stage of their development.
They also run key initiatives to foster entrepreneurship across the country including Local Enterprise Week, National Women’s Enterprise Day, the Student Enterprise Programme and the National Enterprise Awards. For more information on the Local Enterprise Offices see link below.