If you are looking for business supports, then one of the largest business support organisation in Ireland are the the LEOs or Local Enterprise Offices, formerly known as Enterprise Boards. Here’s what LEOs can offer in terms of business supports:
Local Enterprise Offices provide advice, information and support to you in starting up or growing your business. With 31 dedicated teams across the Local Authority network in Ireland, Local Enterprise Offices offer you a wide range of experience, skills and services.
The Local Enterprise Office is for people interested in starting up a new business or already in business including entrepreneurs, early stage promoters, start-ups and small business looking to expand.
Supports from your Local Enterprise Office
There is a long list of the things that Local Enterprise Offices offer or can help you with.
Direct Financial Supports
The LEOs all offer direct financial supports to micro businesses, that is businesses with 10 or less employees. This can be in the form of grants or match funding.
Advice
The Local Enterprise Office can advise on a range of alternative funding options available as well as give you advice on your business.
Information and Support
All the LEOs offer business information, advisory services and enterprise support.
Training and Events
The Local Enterprise Office training can cover different needs of your business including Start Your Own Business courses and then when you are further along your journey, training on managing your business e.g. Marketing, Sales, Financial Management, Strategy and Business Planning.
They also run events for local businesses and are involved in national events such as National Womens Enterprise Day.
Mentoring
You can access mentor advice through your Local Enterprise Office with experienced experts, depending on what area you need help with.
Services for Growth
Your LEO can guide you to the services most relevant to support the growth and development of your business. For example, you may wish to work on a feasibility study to explore new product or market development.
Advice on regulations and other external issues
You can access advice on local authority regulations, planning, accessibility, environment, procurement and other issues affecting your business.
Connect you to other State resources
Your Local Enterprise Office can connect you with appropriate State resources for your business including relevant agencies such as Enterprise Ireland through e.g. progression pathways for high-potential companies.
Help you with networking
They can suggest networking events to attend and facilitate effective business networking.
Source: Business Achievers
