Jam-packed schedule of events to mark Local Enterprise Week
Mentoring in hospitality, finance and social media as well as learning how to market your business to a wider audience are just some of the advice clinics on offer during Westmeath Local Enterprise Week, which takes begins on Monday, March 5 next.
Over 200 virtual events are planned by Local Enterprise Offices around the country, with the focus very firmly placed on how to grow your business in a post-pandemic world.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, this is the first year for the annual Local Enterprise Week to be held entirely online, and Westmeath has organised a jam-packed programme of events for local businesses – from those at the start-up stage right through to established business enterprises which are gearing up for expansion.
While all the events are free of charge, online registration is essential at: www.localenterprise.ie/Westmeath
The Westmeath schedule of events includes Masterclasses in Goal Setting; How to Stand Out on Screen; Start your Own Business Programme; Pricing a Product, Service or Job; Start Your Own Business Programme as well as Mentoring Clinics in Finance, Social Media, Hospitality and Marketing Your Business in a Pandemic.
“Local Enterprise Week is a chance for small businesses and for those possible future start-ups to see the full range of supports out there for them,” says Christine Charlton, Head at Enterprise at LEO, Westmeath “no matter what their business challenge or sector, the LEO’s will be putting on events for everyone.”
Christine is strongly encouraging all business-minded people, from those simply considering setting up their own business to those who are thinking of expanding their existing business, to avail of the Business Advice Clinic which will show the wide range of supports available.
Meanwhile, the theme of Roscommon Local Enterprise Week is “Making It Happen” and among the highlight events which are being organised by the Local Enterprise Office in Roscommon between March 1 and 5 next are: Introduction to Revenue Online (ROS); Risk Management, Resilience &
Business Continuity Seminar; Retail Mentor Advice Clinic; Obligations when Selling Online; An Introduction to Innovation & Creative Thinking; Networking & Communications Skills Training, and a Website and Online Marketing Clinic.
Referring to the “severe impact” of Covid-19 restrictions on small businesses throughout Roscommon, Head of Enterprise with the local Enterprise Office, Louise Ward, has said initiatives like Local Enterprise Week are “more important than ever as they showcase the supports that are available to small businesses and start-ups now. Our advice to all local businesses and those with a business idea is to have a look at the events taking place by visiting www.localenterprise.ie/roscommon and to book early.
In addition to the local events taking place in Westmeath and Roscommon, there are a number of Spotlight Events taking place which are open to businesses nationwide, including those in both Westmeath and Roscommon.
Among the Spotlight events are:
“Benefits of Green for your Business – Launching Green for Micro” organised by LEO Dublin City;
“Spring Back & Step Forward: Building Leadership and Resilience”, organised by LEO Donegal.
“Building The New” featuring start-ups and innovators, organised by LEO Galway.
“AgriTech Revolution in Farming and Food”, organised by LEO South Cork.”
“Trading Online Voucher Information Webinar” organised by LEO Fingal.
All events are free of charge, but as places are limited, early booking for all events is strongly advised at: www.localenterprise.ie/westmeath or www.localenterprise.ie/roscommon
Tanaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar, has said those participating in Local Enterprise Week will find it “just as useful as previous years” despite all events having had to be moved online.
“Many businesses have really relied on the Local Enterprise Office for advice, training and financial help during these difficult few months, and LEO’s are the first point of contact for many of the Government’s grants and training schemes, such as the new Green for Micro initiative, the Trading Online Voucher Scheme and the Lean Programme” said Minister Varadkar, who added that Local Enterprise Week is the “perfect opportunity to have a look at what help is available and find what works best for your business.”