Small businesses and budding entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to sample 5 events aimed at helping them to start or grow their business as part of this year’s Local Enterprise Week Wicklow.  The initiative of the Local Enterprise Offices, supported by Enterprise Ireland and the local authorities, takes place from Monday 2nd to Friday 6th March this year across the country.  

While there are hundreds of events taking place nationally during the week, there are plenty of events in County Wicklow open to all. These events will focus on Future Proofing Retail, Doing Business Better by availing of the Green for Business support, Business Advice clinics, Cyber Security, Cashflow Management, Using AI in your Business and Digital Marketing.

Examples of those taking part in Local Enterprise Week include Expert Business Innovator Aisling Hurley of The Business Fairy who will deliver the Strategic Retail Masterclass on Thursday 5th March in Tulfarris Hotel, Blessington. This is a practical training day for retailers who feel increasing pressure from online shopping and changing customer behaviour. Tickets cost €40, and can be booked through the online booking platform on www.localenterprise.ie/wicklow

On Wednesday 4th March, a seminar on reducing your overheads and greening your business will feature a guest speaker from SEAI who will outline available support for your premises, while a speaker from the LEO team will explain the support available from the LEO towards reducing operational costs.

Each of the 31 Local Enterprise Offices will be running a full programme of events in their area that will cover a variety of topics relevant to small businesses and those starting up. The events are open to all, from budding entrepreneurs to established businesses and offers the opportunity to get expert advice on key areas of business from raising funds, improving your online presence, the benefits of AI, to how to make your business more productive and save money. 

Commenting on the programme of events, Cllr. Melanie Corrigan, Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council said, “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.

“There are hundreds of events taking place all over the country covering everything from understanding the capabilities of VR, to becoming more sustainable or starting a new business. With a fantastic selection of events on your doorstep, I would encourage everyone to take a look and get involved.”

Emer O’Gorman, Chief Executive, Wicklow County Council highlighted some of the events lined up and said, “Local Enterprise Week in County Wicklow is your opportunity to connect, learn, and grow alongside the incredible talent driving our local economy. I urge businesses and retailers not to miss the ‘Reduce Overheads and Green your Business’ seminar on Wednesday 4th March in Arklow and a ‘Future Proofing your Retail Business’ workshop on Thursday 5th March in West Wicklow. From inspiring talks and in person business advice clinics to practical workshops, there’s something for every stage of business. Book your place, get involved, and let’s build a stronger Wicklow together.”

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 for entrepreneurs and small businesses and providing a range of supports including funding, 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.  The Local Enterprise Offices are also running a campaign encouraging small businesses to save time money and energy by availing of their competitiveness and productivity supports including Green, Lean and Digital for Business. Further details can be found on www.AllInADaysWork.ie

Details for all the events taking place across the country during Local Enterprise Week can be found on www.localenterprise.ie