The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and
Innovation today [Thursday 2nd October] officially launched the Waterford
Local Enterprise Office.
The Waterford LEO is part of a network of 31
LEOs which will deliver an improved system of local enterprise supports to
start-ups and small businesses across the country – with more staff, more
funding, and more services being provided.
Today’s announcement means that from today,
people thinking of starting or expanding a business in every part of Waterford
will be able to access the full range of State supports provided by different
Government bodies – for example Waterford City and County Council, Enterprise
Ireland, Revenue, the Department of Social Protection, the Credit Review Office
and training bodies .
The establishment of the LEOs will mean that
all categories of business – including sole traders, micro businesses and small
and medium sized companies – will have access to Government supports and
advice. Previously some businesses – for example, companies who were too large
to access CEB supports, but were not exporting and therefore did not qualify
for Enterprise Ireland supports – fell through the cracks between different
agencies.
The Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and
Innovation Richard Bruton TD said “This morning we are seeing some very positive jobs news in the multinational
sector for Waterford. It is worth
remembering that two thirds of all new jobs are supported by start-ups."
“A key part
of our Action Plan for Jobs and the South East Employment Action Plan is
supporting job-creation across every region of the country. Waterford was hit
hard by the collapse in employment across the country. Between 2008 and 2011
38,000 jobs were lost in the South East region. It is encouraging that in the
last two years employment has increased by over 12,000 across the South East
region, and the live register in Waterford has fallen by 14%.
"However
we must do more to make the recovery local, and that is why were are making
changes such as establishing the Waterford LEO, building advance IDA facilities
in Waterford and a new competition to find the best young entrepreneur in
Waterford.”
“I am
convinced that with the right support by Government, we can build on the
progress we have made and help create the jobs we need in Waterford”.
Commenting on the
launch, Director of Economic Development, Mr. Lar Power said “The launch of LEO
Waterford heralds an exciting time for enterprise in Waterford. Small businesses and start-ups now have, at
their disposal, an enhanced range of business support services. Services such as business training,
mentoring, grant assistance, enterprise education and more are in place to encourage
the growth of the small business sector in Waterford.”
“With increased
investment, resources and initiatives at LEO Waterford we can look forward to
seeing more business success stories, like those of M & D Bakery, Metalman
Brewing, CF Pharma and Chia Bia.
Companies like these simply start with an idea and the assistance
provided by LEO Waterford has given them the opportunity to expand, create
employment, discover new export markets and drive the recovery of our economy.”
New initiatives to the
LEO Waterford portfolio include the recently launched Digital Voucher Scheme,
which assists businesses in expanding by trading online; Ireland’s Best Young
Entrepreneur (IBYE), an allocation of €50,000 for an outstanding idea or commercial
venture for entrepreneurs under 30 years of age and the SuperValu / Bord Bia
collaboration, Food Academy, which gives local food producers access to the
national marketplace.
If you have a business idea and want to find out
what assistance is available to you contact your Local Enterprise Office at 32,
The Mall in Waterford City or the Civic Offices in Dungarvan. Alternatively you
can email info@leo.waterfordcouncil.ie
.
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