This week, at a live virtual event, An Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar TD, announced annual results pertaining to Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs ) for 2021, with Local Enterprise Office Mayo noted as having supported companies that created 172 jobs in 2021.
According to a statement on the results: "The net jobs created by Local Enterprise Office Mayo-supported clients in 2021, was 46, which takes into account companies that amalgamated, ceased trading and those that transferred on to Enterprise Ireland. In 2021 there were 131 transfers nationally by Local Enterprise Office companies to Enterprise Ireland.
"The new figures show that LEO Mayo financially supported 210 small businesses in their portfolio across the county and these companies in turn employ 1,164 people.
"The total national figures for the Local Enterprise Offices across the country were announced, with the LEOs now supporting 35,729 jobs across 7,158 companies. In 2021 there were 7,440 new jobs created by LEO client companies with a net jobs creation figure of 2,999. This was up 9% nationally on 2020.
"The LEOs also provide substantial funded supports to thousands of other small businesses across the country with programmes such as the Trading Online Voucher, Lean for Micro and Green for Micro along with training and mentoring.
"The Local Enterprise Offices were to the fore in supporting small businesses across the country in 2021, helping thousands to pivot online or adapt their products and services through a large suite of supports. The Local Enterprise Offices offer training and mentoring in a range of areas from financial skills and product innovation to starting your own business and maximising your presence online.
"The Local Enterprise Offices located in the local authorities and funded through Enterprise Ireland, support over 7,158 small Irish businesses and entrepreneurs nationwide. Since their establishment in 2014 they have been a first-stop-shop for entrepreneurs and small businesses, providing a range of supports including financial, mentoring, training and sector specific expertise to help guide businesses at any stage of their development."
John Magee, LEO Mayo Head of Enterprise, said; "The results announced today are a testament to Ireland’s small business community. When faced with adversity, they have adapted, pivoted, upskilled and did whatever it took to sustain themselves. The figures show that companies have seen the opportunities in the challenging trading conditions they have faced and there is now renewed optimism.
"We are seeing new opportunities for Irish businesses here and, as always with tough economic periods, we see new ideas and companies emerge and flourish. This year will be no different as we continue to work closely with Enterprise Ireland to ensure our small businesses get the support they need to adapt and grow."
For more information see www.LocalEnterprise.ie
