Small businesses and budding entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to sample a varied programme events aimed at helping them to start or grow their business as part of this year’s Local Enterprise Week across County Galway.
The initiative of the Local Enterprise Offices nationwide, supported by Enterprise Ireland and the local authorities, takes place from March 6-10 this year across the country.
Hundreds of events are taking place nationally during the week, including five spotlight events that are available for free online, and in Galway city and county there are plenty of events open to all. LEO Galway’s flagship event, Accelerate your Growth, will focus on lean, green, digital, export and innovation supports for small businesses.
Lean Supports
Local business Stitches Alterations, based on Eyre Street, is among the recent participants in LEO Galway’s Lean for Micro Programme.
The business, which is Galway’s longest running alterations business, provides alterations and upcycling services, bridal gown alterations, dry cleaning and haberdashery. The Lean for Micro programme has allowed it to make significant improvements in the business – from greatly reduced turnaround times to decreased stress levels.
Danielle Roche, who runs the business with her mother Chris, says the programme came about at a really good time.
"We were moving into a location that was three or four times bigger, and obviously overhead costs were going to increase. This was something we were aware of, so we really wanted to try to get advice on what we could implement in the store to make sure it was a success."
Danielle and the team met with Lean consultant, Paula McNicholas, who helped them develop a plan for the business – and this began with making the workspace more efficient.
"We first had to clear out all the junk and clutter around the place, and try to get the workspace organised – Paula explained how having things tidy and neat would really improve our business in terms of workflow, and actual sales."
Danielle says: "Since we started, we’ve seen massive improvements. Our organisation is much better. We pulled all the team in on it, our communication has definitely improved, and it's a less stressful working environment now. It’s an easier workspace for the girls to navigate and the day just runs more smoothly. It’s a much happier working environment.
"Before starting the Lean for Micro programme, when someone brought something in to get done, it was taking between seven to 10 days. Now, we’ve brought that down to an average of two days."
Danielle says: "If any other smaller businesses are interested in the programme, I’d say definitely apply. No matter what type of industry you’re in, the principles are the same, and you can have a really positive impact. Stitches Alterations continues to grow, and the Lean for Micro has helped us on the journey."
‘Accelerate your Growth’ takes place at the Salthill Hotel on March 8 and will feature a varied panel of experts on areas including Lean, Green, Digital, Export and Innovation. The event aims to help business owners implement technologies, processes and products to their business in order to be more competitive. Booking is now open at localenterprise.ie/Galway
Free Events
As part of the Galway Local Enterprise Week programme, the LEO Galway team is running business advice clinics in towns across the county, and hosting a variety of short training courses for business owners. They will also be launching the new Strategic Growth Programme for female founders – an exciting two year programme for women looking to grow their businesses to the next level.
Each of the 31 Local Enterprise offices will be running a full programme of events in their areas to 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 receive 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 digitalisation.
Details for all the events taking place across Galway during Local Enterprise Week, from March 6-10 are available at www.localenterprise.ie/Galway
