Ten events announced for Local Enterprise Week in Kilkenny

Small businesses and budding entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to sample ten events aimed at helping them to start or grow their business as part of this year’s Local Enterprise Week in Kilkenny.

The initiative of the Local Enterprise Offices nationwide, supported by Enterprise Ireland and the local authorities, takes place from March 6-10 this year across the country.

While there are hundreds of events taking place nationally during the week, including five ‘spotlight’ events that are available for free online, there are plenty of events in Kilkenny open to all. These events will focus on business development, exporting, finance and innovation.

A flavour of those taking part in Local Enterprise Week includes Blaise Brosnan, MRI (Wex) for a Management Development Workshop focusing on Gaining business advantage during inflationary times.

Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council Pat Fitzpatrick says 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,” he said.

“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.”

Aileen McGrath, Head of Enterprise (acting) for the Local Enterprise Office, Kilkenny County Council says there are hundreds of events taking place covering everything from exporting and digital to going green or growing that idea.

“We also have five national spotlight events taking place online with Kilkenny hosting one on Friday, March 10 which are open to everyone that include experts from a range of industries. The week also puts a spotlight on the range of supports, advice and information available to businesses through their Local Enterprise Office.

“We would urge everyone to make the most of the week and to remember that your Local Enterprise Office is also available year-round to help your business to thrive.

Each of the 31 Local Enterprise Offices will be running a full programme of events in their area that will tackle a variety of areas relevant to small businesses and starting up. The events are open to all from budding entrepreneurs to established businesses and gives them the opportunity to get expert advice on key areas of business from financial skills, raising funds, exporting and boosting your business online to future trends such as sustainability and digitalisation.

If you are a business who wants to grow, internationalise or innovate, then there is something for you at Local Enterprise Week.

Details for all the events taking place across the country during Local Enterprise Week are available at LocalEnterprise.ie/Week or for a list of Kilkenny events visit localenterprise.ie/Kilkenny.

The five national spotlight events are online and free to attend.

1. Export
Monday, March 6 – 9.30am to 11.30am: First steps to export success.
Considering expanding into international markets? Or are you an early-stage exporter? Then this spotlight event is for you. This webinar is designed to outline the steps to export success.

2.DIGITAL
Tuesday, March 7 – 9.30am to 1pm: You’re the business at Local Enterprise Week.
No matter where you are on your digital journey, You’re the Business is the programme to help you go further. As part of Local Enterprise Week, Google are hosting three online trainings, live from Google in Dublin, for businesses that are looking to Get Online, Grow Online, or Go Global.

3.GREEN
Wednesday, March 8 – 11am to 12.30pm: Green, Sustainability and Competitiveness: The Green Panel aims to inform, inspire, and engage owner managers and their key staff in how they can implement green technologies, processes and products to their business in order to be more competitive.

4.COST SAVINGS
Thursday, March 9 – 2.30pm to 3.30pm:Drive cost savings with Lean.
Looking for ways to improve competitiveness and productivity in your business? This online panel discussion is a must for all businesses ambitious for growth.

5.INNOVATE
Friday, March 10 – 10am to 11.30am: Innovate for business success. Hosted by Noel Davidson of The Entrepreneurs Academy, this lively event will feature expert speakers. It will also outline the range of government and financial supports to drive innovation in your business.