Local Enterprise Office Longford clients created over 87 jobs in 2022
Local Enterprise Office Longford clients created over 87 jobs in 2022
Longford business community continues to grow with support from LEO Longford
Press Release
23 January 2023
Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Simon Coveney TD announced the annual results of the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) for 2022 which showed that LEO Longford supported companies created 87 jobs in 2022. This figure compared favourably with the 65 jobs that were created with support from the Longford LEO in 2021.
The total national figures for the Local Enterprise Offices across the country were announced with the LEOs now supporting 37,863 jobs across 7,221 companies. In 2022 there were 7,870 new jobs created by LEO clients companies with a net jobs creation figure of 3,447. This was up 10% nationally in 2021. From the jobs created, 84% were outside of the Dublin region.
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.
Minister Coveney TD said, “These results show the significant role the Local Enterprise Offices are playing in not only creating new businesses and jobs but also in sustaining them. On the back of some of the most difficult years for small businesses we are still seeing growth across the country. During the pandemic we saw how essential the LEOs were to small businesses and they will be essential as we navigate the ongoing cost of living and energy crises.
“With 84% of new jobs being created outside of Dublin it reinforces the Government’s strategy to strengthen employment throughout Ireland. As the remit of the Local Enterprise Offices has now broadened to companies up to 50 employees, even more SMEs will be able to avail of their supports, but also their expertise in growing enterprise in towns and villages across the country.”
The Local Enterprise Offices were to the fore in supporting small businesses across the country in 2022, helping thousands to pivot online or adapt their products and services through a large suite of supports. They 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.
LEO Longford Head of Enterprise Michael Nevin said, “These results are a testament to Longford’s small business community. In spite of challenges linked to the pandemic, rising costs, especially energy costs and global uncertainty, local firms have continued to adapt, pivot, and upskill and do whatever it takes to sustain themselves. The figures show that the local economy continues to grow and importantly it continues to provide employment and career opportunities. This year will be no different in terms of challenges faced but we will continue to work closely with the business community and all our partners to ensure our small businesses get the best possible supports available.”
For more information, visit LocalEnterprise.ie/Longford or follow LEO Longford on social media.
ENDS
All media queries should be directed to the Longford County Council Communications Officer via mediaenquiries@longfordcoco.ie or by calling 043 334 4217.
Notes to editor
About Local Enterprise Offices
LEOs located in the local authorities, including Longford County Council, and funded through Enterprise Ireland, support thousands of small Irish businesses and entrepreneurs nationwide. Since their establishment in 2014 they have been for the first stop shop for entrepreneurs and small businesses and providing a range of supports including financial, mentoring, training and sector specific expertise to help guide businesses at any stage of their development.
They also run key initiatives to foster entrepreneurship across the country including Local Enterprise Week, National Women’s Enterprise Day, the Student Enterprise Programme and the National Enterprise Awards.
