Westmeath entrepreneurs and small businesses gather for a week of talks, training and networking
Local Enterprise Week 2019
Westmeath small businesses and entrepreneurs are gathering for Local Enterprise Week, now in its fifth year.
With more than 11,000 people expected to attend the 370 events nationwide, and the threat of Brexit looming for small businesses, this will be the most significant Local Enterprise Week to date.
Run by the 31 Local Enterprise Offices (LEO), events continue to Friday, March 8, and are open to all, particularly entrepreneurs and those with small businesses.
The events will cover a range of topics from preparing for Brexit, building a brand and dealing with tax to making your business age friendly, pitching your business and getting investment.
Some of those taking part in Westmeath Local Enterprise Week 2019 include the ‘Money Matters for You’ seminar on Wednesday March 6, with speakers from Intertrade Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, and Terri Treacy, KPMG, on R&D Tax credits.
Other topics that will be covered are Lean Practices for SME, LEO Services and case studies from clients of above service.
The Local Enterprise Offices support some 7,000 small Irish businesses and entrepreneurs who employ more than 36,000 people.
Christine Charlton, head of Enterprise, LEO Westmeath, said: “The Local Enterprise Office is an essential resource for any entrepreneur or small company in Ireland and Local Enterprise Week offers everyone the opportunity to understand what the LEO offers.
“It is also a fantastic chance for people to learn from the array of great speakers and to network with other like-minded entrepreneurs and business people in their areas.
“Small Irish businesses rely on the support of those in their communities, particularly in those tough first years, and with the uncertainty of Brexit looming.
“Local Enterprise Week is the perfect opportunity to learn what resources are available on your door step and who in your network can help your business to plan, start and grow.”
The week will end with a ‘Women in Business Event’ to celebrate International Women’s Day on Friday, March 8, with broadcaster Lucy Kennedy, Ellen Gunning, Irish Academy of Public Relations, and Martina Skelly and Grainne Barry, co-founders of SportsTech Ireland.
The list of events is at www.localenterprise.ie/Westmeath