LEO Westmeath hosting events for Local Enterprise Week

A number of events are taking place locally early next month as part of this year's Local Enterprise Week (March 6-10).

Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Westmeath is kicking the week off on March 6 with a webinar 'First Steps to Export', which is aimed at businesses planning to expand into international markets and is a must-attend event for business owners who want to find out the supports available to assist them with this.

There are plenty of other events hosted by LEO Westmeath open to all business owners and budding entrepreneurs in the county. These events will focus on financial forecasting, digital marketing, trading online, HR issues and more.

Christine Charlton, head of enterprise in Westmeath County Council says that 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. 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.

“There are hundreds of events taking place all over the country covering everything from exporting and digital to going green or growing that idea. We also have 5 National Spotlight events taking place online, open to everyone that include experts from a range of industries. So online or on your doorstep, 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, said; “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 digitalization 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.”

The full schedule of events can be viewed on www.localenterprise.ie/westmeath