Enterprise Ireland has released the results of its 2017 Annual Employment Survey. Nationally, results show that there are now 37,485 people, employed by 7,182 small businesses and start-ups, which have received support from their Local Enterprise Offices. LEO Galway worked with 254 clients in 2017 and created a total of 192 gross and 95 net new jobs.
A further 59 business programmes were organised by LEO Galway, with a total of 1,312 participants taking part across the city and county. 26 business projects received direct financial assistance, such as business priming and expansion grants, reaching a combined value of €508,371.
30,373 people participated in 1,891 different training programmes with the 31 LEOs across Ireland, including ‘Start Your Own Business’ and ‘Management Development’ courses.
Minister for Business Enterprise and Innovation Heather Humphreys welcomed the announcement during last week’s Local Enterprise Week.
“Local Enterprise Offices helped many thousands of people last year to start-up or grow their own businesses by delivering a suite of financial, training and information supports across every county and region, resulting in the creation of 7,135 jobs right across the country. This Government has a clear focus on regional jobs and investment, and the LEOs play a crucial role in this effort, particularly through the Regional Actions Plans for Jobs. I am delighted that the job results for 2017 are so strong, and look forward to further collaboration with the LEOs in 2018.”
Breda Fox with Local Enterprise Office Galway said that tkey message they would like to get across during Local Enterprise Week is that if you want to either start or grow your business in 2018, talk to your Local Enterprise Office.
“Ask about the variety of financial and practical supports offered including training, mentoring, microfinance loans and direct financial assistance. LEOs play a pivotal role in supporting clients to create jobs nationwide and this is reflected in very strong performance figures for 2017.
“I believe that the work of the LEOs, which is showcased during Local Enterprise Week, complements and enhances the broader economic development remit of the Local Authorities,” she said.
The 31 LEOs nationwide, run in partnership by Enterprise Ireland and the Local Authorities, provide a ‘first stop shop’ for the supports available to entrepreneurs, start-ups and small businesses.
For a full list of upcoming events, training seminars and business supports visit LocalEnterprise.ie/Galway or call (091 ) 509-090.
