Small businesses and budding entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to sample 16 events aimed at helping them to start or grow their business as part of this year’s Local Enterprise Week in Tipperary. The initiative of the Local Enterprise Offices nationwide, supported by Enterprise Ireland and the local authorities, takes place from the 4th to 8th March this year across the country.
While there are hundreds of events taking place nationally during the week, including two National Spotlight events that are available for free online, there are plenty of events in Tipperary open to all. These events will focus on Self Employment, Social Media for the Tourism sector, Cyber Security & Dangers in Supply Chain, Financial Literacy, Artificial Intelligence and Intellectual Property. One of the most popular events yearly is the Business Advice Clinics which will take place in the Library’s in Thurles, Nenagh, Roscrea, Clonmel & Carrick-on-Suir and in the Municipal District offices in Tipperary Town.
Another highlight this year in Tipperary will be the Artificial Intelligence Workshop with Microsoft & LinkedIn which takes place at The Abbey Court Hotel Nenagh. This training will focus on the Generative A.I. career pathway and is an A.I. skill-up-a-thon – a one day blended learning environment focused on demystifying the topic. The week also includes a Retail Symposium at the Horse & Jockey Hotel, a Green Hub launch at The Ballykisteen Hotel, Tipperary and will close with a Celebration of International Women’s Day which will take place in The Aherlow House Hotel.
A flavour of those taking part in Local Enterprise Week include Jean McCabe, CEO Retail Excellence Ireland, Performance Coach Alf Dunbar, HR & Employment Specialist Tommy Smyth, Trinity based Dr. Ann Monaghan of The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA), Mary D’arcy, Financial Crime Lead with Banking & Payments Federation Ireland and James Caron Lucas Financial Consulting Ltd.
Head of Enterprise Anthony Fitzgerald said “Local Enterprise Week is a fantastic marker in the road for any business. It’s an opportunity to take stock of where you are, see where you can grow, where you can innovate or maybe become more sustainable and see what resources are available on your doorstep. There is something for everyone and those who maybe always had that ambition to start on their own, or a great idea, this is the week to see how to get started and make it happen.
“There are hundreds of events taking place all over the country covering everything from exporting and digital to going green or growing that idea. We also have two National Spotlight events taking place online and open to everyone that include experts from a range of industries. So online or on your doorstep, I would encourage everyone to check out the schedule of events and get involved.”
The two National Spotlight events are open to everyone and can be accessed online. The first, “Understanding and leveraging future trends for your business” on Wednesday 6th March looks at what are the trends that will be emerging in the short and long term and how they will affect business. The session will also delve into how you can adapt and leverage these trends for business success.
The second spotlight event focuses on the area of sustainability. The “Sustainability imperative for business success” session on Thursday 7th March will look at how sustainability is becoming a bigger and bigger factor in business survival and success. Headlined by renowned broadcaster and science and environment expert, Liz Bonnin, it will show how the small changes in your business can make a big impact and most importantly how you can start.
Each of the 31 Local Enterprise Offices will be running a full programme of events in their area that will tackle a variety of areas relevant to small businesses and starting up. The events are open to all from budding entrepreneurs to established businesses and gives them the opportunity to get expert advice on key areas of business from financial skills, raising funds, exporting and boosting your business online to future trends such as sustainability and digitalization.
Details for all the events taking place across the country during Local Enterprise Week, from March 4th to 8th, are available at www.LocalEnterprise.ie/Week
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