Lots of events during Local Enterprise Week for Longford businesses and entrepreneurs

Local Enterprise Week takes place all over the country, including in County Longford, from March 6 - 10. 

Many events are planned for local and small businesses and budding entrepreneurs looking to start or grow their business. A national initiative of the Local Enterprise Offices, it is supported by Enterprise Ireland and local authorities.

Throughout the week local events, as well as national, online spotlight events will take place. In Longford, an Employment Training and Information Fair takes place in the Longford Arms Hotel from 10am-4pm on Tuesday, March 7.

Business Advisory Clinics also take place in CO:WORX Edgeworthstown on Thursday, March 9, with the time of individual clinics allocated when booking.

Other local online events include Green for Micro Clinics, How to Make and Use Reels on Instagram and Facebook to Market your Business training, Start Your Own Business training, Digital Marketing Clinics, and How to Master Your VAT in One Day training. Further details, including times of training and how to book your place are available on LocalEnterprise.ie/Longford.

CAPTION: At the Women in Business Local Enterprise Week 2020 event were l to r; Stephanie Igoe, Alison Harney, Adeline Galligan, Maria McNeill, Margaret McEntee, Martina Glennon, Pat Murphy, Jenevieve Butler, Loretta Grogan and Anna Lane

The week culminates in the County Longford Enterprise Awards, celebrating the best of local business. International Women’s Day is also marked with a Tri-County Women in Business Event taking place on Wednesday, March 8.

National online ‘Spotlight’ events which are free to attend include:

• First Steps to Export Success (9.30-11.30am on March 6) for those considering exporting to international markets
• You’re the Business (9.30am-1pm on March 7) Google hosted training for businesses that are looking to Get Online, Grow Online, or Go Global.
• Green, Sustainability and Competitiveness (11am-12.30pm on March 8) panel discussion on how to implement green technologies, processes and products to be more competitive.
• Drive Cost Savings with Lean (2.30-3.30pm, March 9) panel discuss ways to improve competitiveness and productivity
• Innovate for Business Success (10-11:30am, March 10) expert speakers highlight government and financial supports to drive innovation in your business.

Longford County Council Chief Executive Paddy Mahon said, “Longford Local Enterprise Week, again this year, has many great events and training opportunities lined up for anyone thinking of starting out or growing their business. Longford County Council, through the work of LEO Longford, proudly supports this week and the help and guidance it offers to the local business community.”

Local Enterprise Office, Longford Head of Enterprise Michael Nevin added, “Local Enterprise Week offers many opportunities for anyone wanting to start or grow their business to get inspired and motivated. Events will give you insights and add to your knowledge on topics that can make a real difference to your business. The week also puts a spotlight on the supports, advice and information available through the Local Enterprise Office, Longford. I urge everyone to make the most of the week and to remember that LEO Longford is also here to help you grow your business.”

Following on from Local Enterprise Week will be the Longford Student Enterprise Programme County Final taking place in the Longford Arms on Tuesday, March 21. Over 200 students from eight local secondary schools will present their mini businesses to a panel of judges. The winners from the Junior, Intermediate and Senior Categories will go forward to the National Final taking place in Croke Park on Friday, May 5, 2023.

For further information, check out LocalEnterprise.ie/Longford or follow Local Enterprise Office, Longford on social media.

MAIN PHOTO CAPTION: County Longford Enterprise Awards 2022 Overall Winner Cirtex Ltd (l-r): Local Enterprise Office, Longford Head of Enterprise Michael Nevin, Cllr Uruemu Adejinmi, David Garland, Cirtex; Cllr Paraic Brady; Guram Baisonashvili, Cirtex; Longford County Council Chief Executive Paddy Mahon. Cirtex Ltd went on to win at National level in the Green/Sustainability category