A new service to provide supports and advice to businesses, entrepreneurs and start-ups in Mayo was launched this week.
The Mayo Local Enterprise Office (LEO ) is replacing the Mayo County Enterprise Board and aims to help people who are thinking about starting a new business or established businesses who want to grow and expand.
All of the State supports for micro, small, medium businesses and sole traders can now be accessed through the new LEO office at Cedar House, Moneen, Castlebar.
The Mayo office is one of 31 LEOs nationwide and the official launch of the new network on Tuesday also saw the dissolution of 35 different State agencies who had previously been providing business supports.
The Government says combining all of these services and supports into the new LEO network will bring about considerable savings and a reduction in bureaucracy.
Launching the new offices, Taoiseach Enda Kenny said the Government wants to “make recovery local”.
“That means supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs to create local jobs,” he outlined. “Jobs are the top priority of the Government and there has been progress in the past year with over 1,000 jobs a week being created in the private sector. The vast majority of these jobs have been created in small, local companies. It is these new companies, employing just a few people that make the biggest difference in driving a jobs recovery.”
The Mayo LEO is holding an open day on May 7 from 2 to 7 pm where the public can meet the team, find out about the supports and services on offer and interact with mentors and trainers.
Joanne Grehan, former CEO of Mayo County Enterprise Board, is now head of enterprise.
She said LEO aims to create a “pro-active, pro business environment which supports enterprise and enterprising people throughout the county”.
“We will assist both new and established enterprises to consolidate and grow. The LEO is your one-stop-shop for all of your business needs in Mayo, so please consider us as your local resource and aid in accessing support for your business,” said Ms Grehan.
