Many small businesses face challenging times and a downturn in business confidence. Local online information portal www.mayoplus.ie has assembled an impressive line up for its business support module in an effort to present some positive options.
“This is not a panacea for all business problems,” John Moran of Mayo Plus has explained. “This is an attempt to highlight the agencies, bodies, and business groups now available to help and assist the small business sector. In the midst of a torrent of bad news stories and the absence of any decisive leadership, it should be noted that there are supports available to the small business sector.”
Included on the list are the County Enterprise Team which leads the list of stalwarts. This also includes Chambers of Commerce in Ballyhaunis, Swinford, Belmullet, Ballina, Westport, Claremorris, and Castlebar. Network Mayo provides solid business support for women. The Business Innovation Centre plays an active role in business support.
Enterprise Ireland brings a new generation of ebusiness to the site. This is backed by case studies and a series of very relevant guides. BNI (Business Network International ) now includes chapters in Westport, Ballina, and Claremorris in addition to Castlebar. ICBE (Irish Centre for Business Excellence ) introduces a raft of very impressive management support/training services, especially for the small business owner.
The business climate has also attracted online business networks. While many may be US- and UK-centred, there may well be some relevance to some aspects of the business sector.
“While consumer choice is acknowledged, we should also be mindful of the economic importance of the small business sector in Mayo. It is these sectors that include local retail, service, and small manufacturing and that contributes directly to consumer spend. Spend your euro in your town, it pays,” was Moran’s advice.
For further details log onto www.mayoplus.ie or e-mail [email protected].
