WEXFORD’S LOCAL ENTERPRISE WEEK 2023

Small businesses and budding entrepreneurs have the opportunity to sample local and national events aimed at helping them to start or grow their business as part of this year’s Local Enterprise Week in Wexford. These events will focus on practical tools to help local businesses to achieve their goals in 2023.

The nationwide initiative organised by Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs), supported by Enterprise Ireland and the Local Authorities, takes place from the 6th-10th March.

Hundreds of events are taking place nationally during the week, including five Spotlight events that are available for free online. Such has been the level of interest in Co. Wexford that many of the local events are now booked out but at the time of going to press some places are still available for three events: “What LEAN Could Do for Your Business” with Jim Hoey on 7th March, “Embracing Equity Breakfast” with Joanne Hession of LIFT Ireland on International Women’s Day on 8th March, and a “Business Breakfast with Blaise Brosnan – Small Change Big Impact “ on 10th March.

Breege Cosgrave, Head of Enterprise and Economic Development at Wexford LEO, says: “Local Enterprise Week is a fantastic marker in the road for any busi- ness. 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”.

Breege Cosgrave, Head of Enterprise and Economic Development at Wexford LEO.

“There are hundreds of events taking place all over the country covering everything from exporting and digital to going green or growing that idea with five Na- tional Spotlight events. I would encourage everyone to check out the schedule of events and get involved.”

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.

Deirdre O’Neill, Senior Regional Development Executive with Enterprise Ireland, says: “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.”

Details for all the events taking place across the country during Local Enterprise Week, from March 6th to 10th, are available at www.LocalEnterprise.ie/Week

5 National Spotlight Events (Online & Free to attend):

Monday 6th March – 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.

Tuesday 7th March – 9.30am to 1:00pm

YOU’RE THE BUSINESS @ 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.

Wednesday 8th March – 11.00am to 12.30pm

GREEN, SUSTAINABILITY & 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.

Thursday 9th March – 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.

Friday 10th March – 10:00am to 11:30am

Innovate For Business Success

Innovate: to introduce improvements through new methods, ideas or products. 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.

At the time of going to press, some places are still available for three Wexford Local Enterprise Office events: 07/03/2023 An Introduction to LEAN –When Small Changes have Big Impacts.

Online. Time: 11:30 - 13:00.

The theme for this 1.5 hour webinar is What Can LEAN do for Your Business; Case Studies and Examples from Local Businesses.

08/03/2023 International Women's Day

The Talbot Hotel, Wexford, 08:15 - 10:30. Join in to celebrate International Women's Day on Wednesday, 8th March 2023. Learn, LIFT & Laugh.

10/03/2023 Business Breakfast – Small Change Big Impact

Venue: The Council Chamber, Wexford County Council, Carricklawn, Wexford. Time: 08:00 - 10:00.

A business breakfast with Blaise Brosnan - When Small Means Big.

Book any of the above on: https://www.localenterprise.ie/Wexford/Training-Events/Online-Bookings/

For more information:

Wexford Local Enterprise Office, Wexford County Council, Carricklawn, Wexford, Y35 WY93 info@leo.wexfordcoco.ie

Tel: 053 9196020 n