Close to 145,000 entrepreneurs backed by Local Enterprise Offices

Local Enterprise Offices have supported the creation of more than 18,600 jobs nationwide since they were established in 2014.

The offices, which were established as a first point of call for small businesses, have also provided training for close to 145,000 entrepreneurs over the last five years, new figures show.

Established in 2014 by the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, the 31 offices are operated in a partnership between Enterprise Ireland and local authorities.

The offices have collectively approved and contributed funding to over 5,000 business and entrepreneurial projects since 2015 and distributed €81.5million worth of direct financial assistance to small businesses.

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According to the figures, 40,577 people have received mentoring support through their local enterprise office, while over 17,500 have taken a ‘start your own business’ course.

Among the successful companies to have availed of support from the offices are Simtech Aviation, Irish Fairy Door, GloFox, Beats Medical and Strong Roots.