One-to-one advice clinics for local businesses planned in Laois

Outreach work is needed in towns across Laois to raise awareness about the services available to local businesses through the Local Enterprise Office, according to a local councillor. 

Councillor Vivienne Phelan told Laois County Council at the recent Graiguecullen/Portarlingto MD meeting that local businesses in the area were not fully aware of the services on offer to them with the Local Enterprise Office. 

The Fine Gael councillor explained that she was recently engaging with local business owners and realised that many in the community were not informed of the training and supports the Local Enterprise Office offers.

Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Phelan said: "I know there's a lot of excellent work going on in the Local Enterprise Office but actually the people who could benefit from it don't seem to be aware of it."

"I find that the only interaction a lot of businesses have with the council is when they get their rates bill," she added. 

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Cllr Phelan called on the council to consider conducting regular outreach work in towns throughout the Graiguecullen and Portarlington district to make more businesses aware of the training and mentorship initiatives.

"Business people, especially small SMEs, are busy running their businesses so they may not have the time or resources to be researching these things. I would like to see the council going out to them rather than relying on businesses to go into Portlaoise", Cllr Phelan said.

In response to her motion, the Local Enterprise Office said it is currently planning a series of outreach one-to-one business advice clinics with a Business Advisor member of staff for existing business owners and entrepreneurs. 

These clinics will provide an opportunity for businesses and entrepreneurs to learn more about the range of supports available through the Local Enterprise Office, including training programmes, mentoring and financial support.

It is intended that these outreach clinics will take place across Laois' three municipal districts, with at least two clinics planned in each district over the coming months. Initial clinics are planned for Portarlington and Graiguecullen.

Dates for the clinics are being finalised and will be confirmed shortly.

The clinics will be also promoted through the Local Enterprise Office and Laois County Council social media platforms to ensure that local businesses are aware of the opportunity to engage with LEO supports.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme