Boost for county as 400+ jobs created by LEO clients
Cork County Local Enterprise Offices supported companies created a total of 436 jobs in 2025, it was announced recently.
The net jobs created by Cork County Local Enterprise Office supported clients in 2025 was 174, which takes into account companies that amalgamated, ceased trading and those that transferred on to Enterprise Ireland.
Minister of State for Employment, Small Business and Retail, Alan Dillon announced the annual results of the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) for 2025 which also show that Cork county LEOs financially supported 427 small businesses in their portfolio and these companies in turn employ 2,365 people.
The total national figures for the LEOs across the country were announced with the LEOs now financially supporting 40,285 jobs across 7,148 companies. This is the most jobs the LEOs have supported nationally since their inception in 2014.
In 2025 there were 7,261 new jobs created by LEO clients companies with a net jobs creation figure of 2,479. This was up 7% nationally on 2024. From the jobs created, 82% were outside of the Dublin region.
The LEOs also provide substantial funded supports to thousands of other small businesses across the country with programmes such as the Grow Digital Voucher, Lean for Business and Green for Business along with training and mentoring.
Cllr Mary Linehan Foley, Mayor of the County of Cork said: “2025 was another year of real jobs growth for the county’s LEOs. Small and micro enterprises are at the heart of Cork county’s economy and the work of our LEOs in nurturing, encouraging and growing these businesses is to be commended.
“The activities of our LEOs is bringing and sustaining employment and economic activity to every corner of the county.”
Minister Alan Dillon TD said: “The 31 LEOs continue to be the backbone of local economic development, supporting 40,285 jobs in 2025, the highest level since their establishment. Last year alone, LEO client companies created 7,261 new jobs, delivering a 7% increase on 2024 and marking the 12th consecutive year of jobs growth.
“From digitalisation to sustainability and export development, our LEOs are helping small businesses compete and scale.”
Moira Murrell, Chief Executive of Cork County Council said: “These figures highlight the significant impact that our LEOs and their clients are making in driving economic growth in Cork county. These jobs and client figures reflect those who have received financial funding from their LEO. The LEO services also extend to the many companies that receive top class supports, training and mentoring. The numbers are immensely positive and reflect the resilience of the small business sector. We look forward to working with these businesses in 2026 and supporting those who have a great idea to get started.”
The Local Enterprise Offices, located in local authorities and funded through Enterprise Ireland, support thousands of small Irish businesses and entrepreneurs nationwide. Since their establishment in 2014 they have been for the first stop shop for entrepreneurs and small businesses and providing a range of supports including financial, mentoring, training and sector specific expertise to help guide businesses at any stage of their development.
The Local Enterprise Offices are also running a campaign encouraging small businesses to save time, money and energy by availing of their competitiveness and productivity supports including Green, Lean and Digital for Business.