Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 December 2022
93. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the total budget for the national local enterprise week in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61851/22]
View answerAs part of Local Enterprise Week 2022, the 31 Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) hosted a programme consisting of over 220 virtual and physical events including 12 free National Spotlight events on topics such as “Future Proofing Your Small Business”, “Internationalising Your Business”, and “Going Green”.
These events took place nationwide and featured topics and themes that sought to identify and address some of the key issues facing micro and small enterprises around the country.
These free-to-enter events were open to all, from budding entrepreneurs to established businesses and provided an opportunity to get expert advice on key areas of business from financial skills, raising finance, exporting, and boosting your business online to future trends such as sustainability and digitalisation.
The 31 LEOs funded the events through their annual budget allocation for enterprise training and development programmes, and the total cost of Local Enterprise Week is estimated at €511,911.
While Local Enterprise Week is seen as important to all businesses who attend, for many entrepreneurs it represents their first steps in starting a business and the positive engagement with their Local Enterprise Office will be key in building confidence and providing them with the assistance to continue on that journey.
