Clare County Council today welcomed the official opening by Taoiseach Enda Kenny of the 31 Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) across the Local Authority network, including in County Clare.
The Clare LEO, which is located at Áras Contae and Chláir in Ennis, will be the front line in delivering business growth and jobs, providing direct support and pulling together all the players – agencies, local authority and the private sector – to strengthen the local enterprise sector.
According to Tom Coughlan, Clare County Manager: "The Clare LEO will be a ‘first stop shop’ for all Government supports for anyone who wants to start or expand their business and create jobs in the towns and villages of every county in Ireland."
Mr. Coughlan continued: "We will develop local enterprise plans putting micro and small business at the heart of job creation locally. By bringing the functions of the former Clare County and Enterprise Board into Clare County Council structures we are confident that we can offer a more streamlined service for clients. Our aim is to overcome the typical barriers to success that small businesses face such as management skills, access to finance or lack of marketing or planning skills."
New protocols have been developed with key agencies, such as Revenue, Department of Social Protection, Department of Education and Training Boards, Skillnets, Microfinance Ireland and the Credit Review Office to ensure clients have access to all Government supports. As well as advice and direct supports, LEOs will promote a pro-enterprise culture locally, by organising enterprise events, supporting local business networks and working with local Chambers and other organisations such as schools.
The Local Enterprise Office also has the full support of Enterprise Ireland and other agencies that support business. Enterprise Ireland’s considerable expertise nationwide in supporting entrepreneurs, innovation and exports – and growing small local businesses into outward international companies - will be available through the Clare Local Enterprise Office.
The Clare Local Enterprise Office, Áras Contae and Chláir, Ennis, Co. Clare, can be contacted on 065-6821616 / localenterprise@clarecoco.ie. Further information is available from www.localenterprise.ie.
