Wexford Local Enterprise Office now supports over 234 small businesses employing 1,773 staff

Last month, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Simon Coveney TD, announced the annual results of the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) for 2022 which showed that Local Enterprise Office Wexford supported companies created 330 jobs in 2022 with a net job increase of 177.

The new figures show that the LEO Wexford financially supported 234 small businesses in their portfolio across the county. These businesses in turn employ 1,773 people. 2022 was a remarkable year considering that LEO Wexford had the joint 5th highest number of net jobs across Ireland; the third highest joint number outside the Dublin region. The net jobs created by Local Enterprise Office Wexford supported clients in 2022 was 177, which reflects businesses that amalgamated, ceased trading and transferred on to Enterprise Ireland.

The total national figures for the Local Enterprise Offices across the country were announced with the LEOs now supporting 37,863 jobs across 7,221 companies. In 2022 there were 7,870 new jobs created by LEO client companies with a net jobs creation figure of 3,447. This was up 10% nationally on 2021 figures.

The LEOs also provide substantial funded supports to thousands of other small businesses across the country with programmes such as the Trading Online Voucher, Lean for Micro and Green for Micro along with training and mentoring. Simon Coveney TD, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, said; “These results show the significant role the Local Enterprise Offices are playing in not only creating new businesses and jobs but also in sustaining them. On the back of some of the most difficult years for small businesses we are still seeing growth across the country. During the pandemic we saw how essential the LEOs were to small businesses and they will be essential as we navigate the ongoing cost of living and energy crises.

“With 84% of new jobs being created outside of Dublin, it reinforces the Government’s strategy to strengthen employment throughout Ireland. As the remit of the Local Enterprise Offices has now broadened to companies up to 50 employees, even more SMEs will be able to avail of their supports, but also their expertise in growing enterprise in towns and villages across the country.”

The Local Enterprise Offices were to the fore in supporting small businesses across the country in 2022, helping thousands to pivot online or adapt their products and services through a large suite of supports. Local Enterprise Offices provide training and mentoring in a range of areas from financial skills and product innovation to starting your own business and maximising your presence online.

Breege Cosgrave, Head of Enterprise and Economic Development, said; “The results announced today are a testament to Ireland’s small business community. When faced with adversity, they have adapted, pivoted, upskilled and did whatever it took to sustain and grow their businesses. We are seeing firsthand in Wexford where green shoots –new ideas and companies are emerging from very challenging trading conditions. This year we will continue to work closely with Enterprise Ireland and as part of Wexford County Council to ensure our small businesses get the best possible supports to allow them to flourish.”

Cathaoirleach of Wexford Co. Council George Lawlor said: “The Local Enterprise Offices across the country have gone above and beyond in their support of small businesses and there is a palpable sense of renewed optimism. We are delighted that yet again LEO Wexford is in the top 5 in terms of net job creation and are committed to building on excellent figures over the last two years.”

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 the first stop shop for entrepreneurs and small businesses in providing a range of supports including financial, 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.

For more information on the Local Enterprise Offices go to www.LocalEnterprise.ie

Local Enterprise Office Wexford: info@leo.wexfordcoco.ie

Tel: 053 9196020 n