Castlebar Chamber of Commerce members Katie Cadden, PRO and Caroline Gordon, treasurer, attended the recent conference, SMEs Doing Business in Europe, in Dublin hosted by European Parliament and Commission Offices in Ireland in conjunction with Network Ireland and the Irish Export Association.
The event presented an opportunity for SMEs to learn how to expand into European markets, with presentations from a panel of esteemed speakers including Eamon Gilmore, TD, Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Jerry Kennelly, entrepreneur, founder of Stockbyte & Tweak.com, and others. The conference was chaired by Gay Mitchell TD.
This innovative event served to highlight some of the pitfalls and opportunities of exporting, with guests benefiting from the first hand experience of successful entrepreneurs who broke into new markets. Critical information on bank support and what Europe is doing to support SMEs was also provided.
Castlebar Chamber believes that SMEs are critical to the development of the local economy and are proud to support the various organisations which drive and support the development of SMEs. Castlebar Chamber has developed an excellent working relationship with the Innovation in Business Centre in Castlebar, which is the starting point for many successful local SMEs. Castlebar Chamber also commends Irish Business Intelligence, a Westport-based company which provides coaching and development advice for SMEs.
The Enterprise Development Committee of Castlebar Chamber is busy working on the production of the practical handbook for local businesses, which will contain useful information and contact details for local SMEs.
