To mark 10 years of encouraging innovation and business success, the Cork County Council’s Local Enterprise Offices (LEO) hosted a unique ceremony. Since 2014, Cork County’s LEOs have created 7,775 new employment and given more than €13.1 million in financial support to the area’s small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs). More than 1,600 business courses and programs have been held at the LEOs in the past ten years, benefiting 25,000 individuals. Additionally, one-on-one mentorship has been provided to over 13,000 company owners throughout the county. Several Cork County businesses that used their LEO’s help and grant aid to grow, scale, and expand were highlighted at a special event held at the Kingsley Hotel to honor the LEOs’ accomplishments.

Companies like Baseworx, Ground Wellbeing, Feed Ducks Initiative, Hyde Whiskey, RetroKit, and Wildberry took part in an animated panel discussion. A psychologist, performance coach, and author, Gerry Hussey, also delivered a speech at the event. He shared his knowledge and some useful tips to help individuals succeed in both their personal and professional lives.

Member Fianna Fáil Mayor of County of Cork, Joe Carroll was welcoming the LEO’s outstanding ten years of service in Cork.

Cork County LEOs have been helpful to companies in reducing their environmental impact, saving costs, and achieving a greener future through initiatives such as the Climate Toolkit 4 Business and Green for Business consultancy. To open up new markets and opportunities for local businesses, LEOs intend to create a National Enterprise Hub, simplify access to finance, and triple the number of new exporters annually by 2030