LOCAL ENTERPRISE WEEK is set to take place from Monday 6th to Friday 10th March this year.

The annual Local Enterprise Office (LEO) initiative is organised by the 31 LEO offices across the Republic of Ireland. It is a fantastic opportunity for Irish SMEs to upskill, develop their staff, and have the opportunity to network with other businesses. 

SMEs have faced a wide variety of challenges over the last number of years, from the uncertainty of the pandemic to rising inflation. With both challenges and opportunities to come in the future, Local Enterprise Week will be a hugely important event for those looking to improve their business in 2023.  

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If you are an aspiring entrepreneur looking to start a business, a relatively new start-up, or an existing and established entrepreneur, Local Enterprise Week has something that is guaranteed to enhance your business. No experience is needed to attend these events – if you have an idea that you want to turn into a business, you are encouraged to visit your local LEO’s events. 

John Magee, recently appointed as the new chair of the network of Local Enterprise Offices, has encouraged businesses and anyone with a great idea to take advantage of the week.

Local Enterprise Week is a fantastic marker in the road for any business. 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.”

Each LEO compiles its own programme of events to take place locally. These include seminars looking at incorporating digital into the workplace, sustainability activities businesses can undertake, and ways to increase productivity. The programme of events is available here.

Local Enterprise Week will be supported by various Irish organisations, including Enterprise Ireland, who will be providing export advice on exports.

Deirdre O’Neill, senior regional development executive with Enterprise Ireland, said, “Enterprise Ireland is delighted to support and be involved in Local Enterprise Week. Working closely with the Local Enterprise Offices across the year, this week is 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 digitalisation or becoming more sustainable, or those who have ambition to grow internationally and begin to find new markets.

If you are a business who wants to grow, internationalise or innovate, then there is something for you at Local Enterprise Week and we would encourage every small business out there to see what is happening in their area this year and take that next step.”

There are a number of spotlight events that are open to all businesses, no matter their location as they are in webinar format. These spotlight events focus on critical areas for a successful business. They are based around similar themes to other events during the week, focusing on exporting, digital, sustainability, Lean (an LEO initiative around sustainable innovation), and innovation: 

1. First Steps to Export Success

2. You’re The Business Digital Initiative 

3. Green Sustainability & competitiveness 

4. Drive Costs Savings with Lean 

5. Innovate for Business Success  

Give yourself and your business the best opportunity to succeed by taking part in this years Local Enterprise Week.

With hundreds of events across every county, this year’s Local Enterprise Week is set to be the most informative and collaborative ever. 

Join 1000s of other small businesses from 6th – 10th March for invaluable seminars, discussions, and inspiration.  

Register for a FREE National Spotlight Event today or sign up for a local event taking place near you at localenterprise.ie/week