Local Enterprise Offices provided support to the highest number of jobs across the country since it began in 2014. In 2023, it contributed to the creation of 6,640 jobs across the country. 82% of new jobs created by LEO client companies were outside of Dublin. 636 of these new jobs were in Laois, Longford, Offaly and Westmeath.
The figures for 2023, maintained a consistent growth in numbers of jobs supported by LEOs working with 7,167 companies over the course of the year. This figure means a total support of 38,726 jobs.
What do Local Enterprise Offices do?
Funded by Enterprise Ireland, Local Enterprsie Offices are located in the local authorities and aim to operate as a first stop shop for entrepreneurs and small businesses, providing a range of supports including financial, mentoring, training and sector specific expertise. There are 31 LEO offices across the country and according to Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise and Employment, Neale Richmond, they are making a key contribution to ongoing job creation efforts, he said. “Ten consecutive years of job growth is a major accomplishment that reminds us how crucial their support is both for new businesses, but also in helping existing businesses to grow.”
Green shoots are emerging across the country
In Westmeath alone, 208 new jobs were created in 2023 with 270 total small businesses employing 1600 people being supported by LEO Westmeath. Christine Charlton, Head of Enterprise in Westmeath said; “We are seeing new opportunities for Irish businesses here and as always with tough economic periods we see new ideas and companies emerge and flourish. This year will be no different and as we continue to work closely with Enterprise Ireland and the local authorities to ensure our small businesses get the best possible supports there are certainly green shoots emerging across the country.”
Training and Events
With Local Enterprise Week taking place on March 4th to March 8th this year, there are plenty of opportunities for on-line and in-person training across the four local authorities in the midlands. Coming soon, if you are a small business, there are FREE workshops food starter programs or even in instagram training.
A Food Starter programme is starting soon in Westmeath and Longford. It is a short programme (provided online) designed to help those with a food idea, or those at a very early stage of starting up a food business. The next programme will be run over four half-day workshops on 24th & 26th April and 8th & 10th May 2023. Check Westmeath here and Longford here.
The next bootcamp in Laois takes place in February. Check it here FREE 2-Day Search Engine Optimisation Online Bootcamp this Feb 6th & 13th if you’d like to learn how to audit your own website’s SEO.
A FREE Small Business Accounts workshop takes place in Offaly on Wednesday 7th February 2024
