William O’Shea, Clerical Officer South Cork Local Enterprise Office, Peigin Crowley, GROUND Wellbeing, Loretta Kennedy, Mamma Bear Foods and Kirsty Sweetnam, Business Advisor South Cork Local Enterprise Office. Photo: Darragh Kane

South Cork’s Local Enterprise Week is buzzing!

If you have a small business or you’re a prospective entrepreneurs, there are at least 12 events that could help you to start or grow your business as part of this year’s Local Enterprise Week in South Cork.

Taking place from 6 to 10 March this year across the country, this initiative is from Local Enterprise Offices nationwide and supported by Enterprise Ireland and local authorities,.

There are hundreds of events taking place nationally during the week, including 5 spotlight events that are available free online. Alongside these there are plenty of events taking place across Cork. These events will focus on a range of business topics with most being in-person with opportunities to network.

Events for Local Enterprise Week in Cork county include Dr Karen Weeks, the first Irish women to row the Atlantic solo who will share her story on overcoming challenges and creating a mindset for success, while Larry O’Donoghue, recently appointed Cork BIC COO will deliver top tips on what investors are looking for.

The Enterprise Europe Network alongside Conor Hyde of Hibernia Distillers will host a workshop on export market opportunities and best practices for any business with export ambitions.

Inviting Cork county businesses to get involved this year, Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Danny Collins said: “Local Enterprise Week is a fantastic opportunity for any business. With almost all our events in person this year, it's an opportunity to not only gain knowledge from industry experts but also a great networking opportunity.

“We have seen it time and time again when businesses get in a room together, learning from each other can lead to real change, building strong lasting business relationships. I know all the team at LEO South Cork are looking forward to getting out meeting people this Local Enterprise Week and I would encourage businesses to take a look at the programme and take full advantage of the support available.”

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 digitalization.

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 every small business is encouraged to see what is happening in their area this year and take that next step.

Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Tim Lucey added: “There are over 30 events taking place across Cork. The programme covers all the big topics that are affecting small business, from digital up skilling, learning the first steps to exporting and advice for business to achieve their sustainability goals. I have always been impressed with the opportunities entrepreneurs make for themselves, so I hope they seize all the those offered by Local Enterprise Week and the ongoing supports that Cork County Council’s LEO offices in South Cork and Cork North and West provide all year round.”