Programme of events is tailored to meet needs
By Mary Dennehy
THE enterprising spirit of South Dublin County will be showcased this March during a week-long schedule of events, which are tailored to the needs of new and existing micro enterprises, local businesses and entrepreneurs.
Local Enterprise Week 2016 will run across the area from March 7 to 13, with the programme being hosted locally by the Local Enterprise Office [LEO] South Dublin, with support from South Dublin County Council.
More than 20 events will be staged across venues in Tallaght, Clondalkin, Lucan and Rathfarnham including the library network, IT Tallaght and The Square shopping centre – with events open to anybody engaged in business, those with a potential enterprising idea or members of the general public who would like to listen to a talk or speaker.
The aim of the week, which last year saw more than 500 people attend events, is to raise awareness of LEO South Dublin, showcasing the supports it offers and the opportunities it can provide to local business and potential entrepreneurs – strengthening business opportunities and supporting job creation while promoting an enterprising culture across South Dublin County.
A first stop shop for business in South Dublin County, LEO South Dublin provides grant aid, mentoring, specialised training, advice and networking opportunities and last year actively supported nearly 40 projects and approved more than €550,000 in financial aid to local enterprises.
Colm Ward, Head of Enterprise LEO South Dublin, told The Echo: “We have put a lot of thought and planning into Enterprise Week this year and have created a programme that reflects the business needs locally.
“Some of the ideas have come from a business survey we did last year, with the programme of events tailored to meet these needs.”
Events cover online marketing, branding and sales skills, pitch delivery, a start-up workshop, simple steps to greening your business and saving money, recruitment and employment law, public procurement workshop, communications and much more.
A number of events are regional events, hosted by all four local authorities in Dublin, and include talks on Women in Business, Doing business in the USA, Becoming a Market Trader and a Start-up Bootcamp.
The key note address of the week locally will be delivered by successful entrepreneur and All-Ireland winning county footballer, Philly McMahon on Wednesday, March 9, in the LEO South Dublin office at County Hall, Tallaght.
While on Friday, March 11, a student enterprise event will be staged in Ballyroan Library, Rathfarnham, which will promote and celebrate the work of LEO South Dublin in instilling and nurturing enterprise and entrepreneurship in primary, secondary and third level students.
Siobheal Nic Eochaidh from the Fairy Door Company, which, based in Clondalkin, was supported by LEO South Dublin, will speak to young people on the day.
An invitation has been extended to the entire community to engage with Enterprise Week and for a full listing visit www.localenterprise.ie/southdublin.
Booking is required on all events, some of which are free while others carry a nominal fee.
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