'Demand for LEO supports is at an all-time high': Local Enterprise Week launched at County Hall

A packed schedule of events has been announced for what has been described as a key fixture in the Cork business calendar, Local Enterprise Week, which gets underway at venues throughout Cork next month.

Highlights of the week, which runs from Monday, March 3, to Friday, March 7, include an opening day address by Oonagh O’Hagan, the managing director of Meagher’s Pharmacy, in which she will share her ‘Prescription for Success’ at Fernhill House Hotel.

Sustainable fashion and future of eco-conscious business will be the theme of a talk featuring designer Aoife McNamara on Wednesday, March 5.

The event entitled ‘Everyone Makes an Impact’ will take place at 3pm in the Fota Education Conservation and Research Centre.

Industry-specific workshops and masterclasses will run throughout the week, covering digital transformation, financial planning, exporting, and sustainable growth.

Meanwhile, networking events and business clinics will offer invaluable opportunities for businesses to connect, share ideas, and access expert guidance on scaling and innovation.

The week long series of events is organised by Cork County Council’s Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) who provided almost €1.2m in financial supports, helping businesses embrace sustainability, enhance efficiency, and scale their operations during what they describe as a record breaking year in 2024.

There will be an all-county feel to this year’s Local Enterprise Week as events will be taking place in all parts of Cork.

Locations include the iconic Jameson Distillery, Springfort Hall, and Ballymaloe Grainstore and these inspiring settings are, according to the organisers, designed to cultivate innovative thinking, fresh perspectives, and meaningful collaborations.

The Mayor of County Cork, councillor Joe Carroll, said the insights gained during Local Enterprise Week could be transformative whether you’re a start up or an established company.

Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Moira Murrell described Local Enterprise Week as “an opportunity for businesses to access funding, mentoring, and expert guidance”.

“Demand for LEO supports is at an all-time high and we are expecting over 2,000 attendees across the week.”

Many events are free to attend, but early booking is advised. For more details and registration, visit www.localenterprise.ie and follow #LocalEnterprise for updates.