Council pilots business scheme for county towns

Bantry is the first to benefit from the Retail Support Programme, which starts with a business breakfast and networking event on May 15 for retailers from the town. It will mark the start of a series of Retail and Town support events to be piloted in the town in association with the Local Enterprise Office.
The programme will include mentoring and business development, website advisory clinics and the opportunity to avail of a €2,500 online grand provided by the Local Enterprise Office.
Participants will also have the opportunity to complete a Digital Marketing eLearning Course offered by Retail Ireland Skillnet.
“Retail and small towns are facing increased challenges from more global competition and online trading,” County Mayor, Patrick Gerard Murphy said.
Other supports under consideration by Cork County Council include free WIFI for the town and further festival support funding to drive footfall.