Designated Area Casual Trading Licence 2023
This years application for Casual Trading Licence is now open, please click below to apply. The Closing Date for applications is 4th August 2023.
APPLY HERE : https://submit.link/14k
Business & Business Supports
Local Artists set for First Flight!
In Spring of this year, the Local Enterprise Office Waterford invited submissions from artists and small craft businesses to apply for the First Flight Enterprise programme at the Kite Design Studio in the heart of Waterford’s Viking Triangle.
This year’s successful candidates are Michelle Dunne (Strong Roots Jewellery), Lisa Hodge (Totes Upcycled) and Tanya Dobbyn (Clayful Creations by Tanya).
Kite Design Studio is an innovative space based in Waterford City and designed to enable the sharing of knowledge, resources and facilities for craft businesses. Through an ethos of collaboration where businesses can connect support and grow, coworking spaces offer you the opportunity to bring structure to your day while increasing productivity and is a great alternative to working from home.
First introduced in 2013, this year’s First Flight programme provides a professional workspace, mentoring and practical business advice to creatives in a bustling, collaborative co-working space for six months commencing in June 2023.
To date, dozens of small craft businesses, artists and graduates of Waterford VTOS (Vocational Training Opportunities Scheme) have availed of First Flight placements, enabling them to develop their businesses commercially.
Michelle Dunne is one of those selected for this year’s First Flight placement. Michelle, originally from Tramore, now living in Ferrybank, is an artist and metalworker, and is planning to make the most of this opportunity. “The craft industry can be a lonely job, so places like Kite Design Studios are extremely important. Designers working alongside each other, inspires and increases knowledge in the whole design process.”
Jamie Whitty, Business Advisor with LEO Waterford said, “Over the years we have seen some inspirational artists and small craft businesses travel through this programme since 2013.”
As First Flight co-ordinator with the LEO she sees the benefit of the programme, “Waterford’s tradition in the arts and abundance of artistic talent cannot be denied, be it fashion designers, sculptors, jewellery makers or crystal craftspeople. The First Flight programme gives talented individuals the resources and assistance to cultivate their businesses and gain from the experience of their peers in a shared creative space.”
If you are an artist or small craft business and would like to avail of a dedicated workspace, mentoring and business advice, speak to your Local Enterprise Office about the First Flight Enterprise programme. Alternatively visit www.localenterprise.ie/Waterford/ or call into Local Enterprise Office Waterford at 35, The Mall.
Photo by David Murphy Studio:
Tanya Dobbyn (Clayful Creations by Tanya), Lisa Hodge (Totes Upcycled), Jamie Whitty (Business Advisor with LEO Waterford) and Michelle Dunne (Strong Roots Jewellery).
Commercial Rates Energy Discount Scheme 2023 – Open
Rates Energy Discount of 8%
In 2022 almost 1,000 businesses across Waterford took advantage of the Rates Energy Discount Scheme. The Rates Energy Discount Scheme was introduced to encourage businesses to play their part in reducing carbon emissions, joining householders, the local authority and many more in the county.
Businesses across the world are doing their part to reduce carbon emissions, reduce fuel and save money. For the environment and for their bottom line.
In Waterford, businesses account for 24.6% of emissions, the majority of those coming from energy use.
Taking Climate Action is something we must all do in society, the Council itself is working towards a goal of a 51% carbon emissions reduction by 2030.
The Rates Energy Discount Scheme is continuing in 2023, with businesses being asked to go one step further and to complete an energy audit or an energy assessment. An audit or assessment will help your business to identify energy saving opportunities.
CHECKLIST FOR APPLICANTS:
- Rates Customer Account Number (your account number is displayed on your annual rates invoice).
- LAID number (your account number is displayed on your annual rates invoice).
Either:
- Proof of Energy Audit conducted for the business by an external consultant within the last 5 years – a copy of an invoice as well as the front page will need to be uploaded
or:
- Applicants without Energy Audit proof will be required to complete Energy Self-Assessment questionnaire designed to help you to identify energy saving opportunities in your business.
- Your business account IBAN from which your commercial rates are paid.
Eligibility
Businesses whose annual rate bill is less than €10,000 or who operate in the hospitality industry will be eligible to receive a Rates Energy Discount of 8% once they have either uploaded evidence of the Energy Audit to this platform by Friday, September 29th, 2023, or for those who have been unable to secure an audit you can avail of the discount by carrying out an Energy Self-Assessment.
Only rated properties suitable for energy audit are eligible to apply – for example yards with no buildings would not be eligible.
If you have undertaken an Energy Audit, the application should take less than 10 minutes to complete. In the event of Energy Self-Assessment, it will take longer to complete the assessment, just follow the questions to completion.
An audit completed by an external consultant can be used to apply for funding for energy efficiency improvements whereas the Energy Self-Assessment that businesses can complete on this platform cannot be used to apply for further funding.
To avail of the discount accounts must also be fully paid by 23:55 on 29th September 2023 or are in an agreed Direct Debit payment plan. The credit will be applied after the deadline once the requirements have been met.
All businesses who either upload proof of an Energy Audit or complete an Energy Self-Assessment will receive advice from Waterford City and County Council on what they can do next to save energy.
While multiple drafts are allowed, there should only be one complete application submitted per each Rates LAID.
Questions? – please email Climate Action Coordinator at gkennedy@waterfordcouncil.ie
Email Rates related queries to: rates@waterfordcouncil.ie
Another Successful Year for Waterford Council’s Partnership with Dungarvan College
Another Successful Year for Waterford City and County Council’s Partnership with Dungarvan College in association with Business in the Community Ireland (BITCI) Schools’ Business Partnership Programme
Waterford City and County Council was delighted to continue its partnership with Dungarvan College, facilitated by Business in the Community Ireland (BITCI) for the 2022/23 School Year.
Business in the Community Ireland (BITCI), through its Schools’ Business Partnership, partners schools with businesses and organisations and is aimed at informing and empowering second level students and introducing them to the world of work.
This year under the programme a group of students from 2nd Year in Dungarvan College gained insights into the variety of roles in Waterford City & County Council from hearing “a day in my working life” stories from a number of staff carrying out some of the many different roles in the Council, from trade roles to firefighters to web designers and librarians. Through this engagement the students heard about potential career paths that could be open to them through school completion.
Waterford City and County Council also delivered classroom sessions on Health & Safety and Climate Action, topics that will have life-long relevance for this age group in their personal and professional lives. This is the first year where sessions were delivered in the classroom as this programme commenced during the pandemic and has evolved from there.
As part of the programme, the students and their teachers took a day-trip to visit some of the sites managed by the Local Authority to see as well as hear about the many projects and services delivered by Council staff.
The first stop was Waterford City Fire Station where the students were given a tour of the station and got to try on uniforms and apparatus used by the Fire Service in responding to incidents. The group were intrigued by the alarm and response systems as well as the underground tunnels used for training. This visit definitely whet the appetite for many of the group for a career in the Fire Services.
From there the next stop was City Hall where the group were greeted by Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. John O’Leary. Cllr O’Leary spoke to the group about his job as an elected representative, how he gets voted in and the onus that is on him to represent the people from his area. Cllr O’Leary also spoke about the history of City Hall and its surroundings. After lunch in Kilmeaden, the group met with the Council’s Trails Officer Johnny Brunnock, who led them on a walk along the new section of the Waterford Greenway. Mr. Brunnock chatted with the group about what is involved in making a tourism product out of the beautiful natural tracks and trails we have in this County and the development of new ones also. He explained how much of his role revolves around working with local communities and also trying to secure funding sources to enhance Waterford’s trail offering
In the recent wrap up session at Dungarvan College on May 18th, the students involved did the talking and delivered a comprehensive presentation on their programme learnings and ways in which they have benefitted from the programme.
Speaking at the wrap-up session, Helen Hogan from Dungarvan College extended her thanks to Karen Hallahan and Claire Flavin of Waterford City and County Council and to Alice Kavanagh from BITCI for their enthusiasm and engagement around this programme. She added the students had been given opportunities to gain insights into potential careers previously unknown to them and this will give them food for thought as they complete their second level studies and start to think in terms of career choice. Waterford City and County Council facilitators Karen Hallahan and Claire Flavin said the Council was delighted to be involved with this programme, hailing it as beneficial to all stakeholders involved.
Waterford City and County Council have previously worked on successful BITC partnerships with secondary schools in Waterford City as part of Transition Year Programmes. Nationally BITC has developed hundreds of partnerships, involving over 40,000 students across Ireland. In its involvement in this programme, Waterford City and County Council joins a line-up of renown with companies including KPMG, Mazars, State Street, Irish Life, Davy, KBC all involved in school partnerships across the country.
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Waterford City and County Council opens Urban Façade Improvement Scheme
Waterford City and County Council is inviting submissions for the Urban Façade Improvement Scheme 2023
The pilot scheme has been introduced by the Local Authority’s Economic Development Department to assist in improving the presentations of buildings in notable areas of Waterford City Centre, Tramore Town Centre and Dungarvan Town Centre.
Eligible properties will be awarded 50% of the costs of improvement works to upper and lower floors up to a maximum allocation of €2,000.
Michael Quinn, Director of Services for Economic Development, Waterford City and County Council said, “The purpose of the scheme is to give assistance to those with properties situated on main thoroughfares and within notable areas of these three districts, to enhance the façade of the properties and make improvements to building exteriors that will augment the presentation of these areas.
“Through collective participation, the Urban Façade Improvement Scheme has the potential to boost the vibrancy of these urban centres and create a more attractive, inviting environment for residents, visitors, and shoppers to enjoy.
“The grant must be used for the repair and improvement of all or any part of a building that is visible from the street. It can be for something as simple as repairing and cleaning guttering, removing redundant wiring and alarm boxes or painting and cleaning the exterior of the property.
“Overall, the scheme is applicable to residents and businesses in these centres to help improve not just their own building, but also enhance the character of their areas.”
There is limited funding for this scheme so it is recommended that those who wish to participate apply before all funds are allocated. Applicants will require two quotes for the works and permission from the property owner where necessary before they are approved.
For further information or to apply to the Urban Façade Improvement Scheme visit https://waterford.submit.com/show/141
Online is key to Finders Keepers growth
“The Trading Online Voucher gave us the means to build this fantastic website.”
Lisa Connolly and Luke Marsh are the founders and owners of Finders Keepers in Waterford City. While her background is in fashion and textile design, Lisa developed a love for retail when working abroad with her partner Luke, “I loved the experience of walking through the doors into someone’s shop and seeing how they have imagined their space.”
Finders Keepers is based in Waterford City, offering unique gift & homeware products and ideas. “We signed the lease on an old butcher shop in September 2017 and opened the door to Finders Keepers in November! My amazing little sister Beth joined us later that month & has been working with us since. A small family run business through and through!”
Following their opening they were very active on social media. They didn’t have the funds to advertise so it was their only way of promoting the business. “I was really just doing this with the idea of people from Waterford in my mind. I wanted them to come into town and find our shop. But our community quickly grew outside of Waterford. Our following was growing and suddenly we had customers in all parts of Ireland. But it was very frustrating, not having a website.”
Lisa met with the Local Enterprise Office in Waterford, who recommended a ‘Trading Online Voucher’ in order to get to the next phase of growth for Finders Keepers. “We found local web designers Transpose Digital. They were absolute pros and really worked hard with us to achieve the vision we had. If we were going to build a website, it needed to be done right and to a standard that could sit alongside with some of the bigger retailers. The TOV gave us the means to build this fantastic website.”
A Trading Online Voucher (TOV) is a financial incentive developed by the Local Enterprise Office for small businesses with no more than 10 employees, less than €2m turnover and who have been trading for at least 6 months. This voucher is designed to stimulate the applicant business to develop their online trading presence. The voucher is administered through your Local Enterprise Office (LEO) and takes the form of matched funding where the maximum amount payable will be €2,500 or 50% of the eligible cost (whichever is the lesser), exclusive of VAT.
They launched the website in November 2019, just a few months before the pandemic. “I was never so grateful for the website during this time. We were suddenly busier than ever before. It was a crazy time. I live less than 1km from the shop so could walk here each day and continue dispatching orders. It was a hugely challenging time, taking on such a workload alone but our business grew exponentially.”
Fast forward to today, they have just moved into a new premises on Michael Street in the City, that is much bigger. They have a whole floor in the building dedicated to online and have built a studio for photoshoots to improve their digital offering on the website and through social media. The aim is to continue to grow the website within Ireland but start moving into the European market.
“Our bricks and clicks business model is working very well. I don’t think you can have one without the other. On a day where it may be quiet in town, our website will pick up the slack. We also have a large customer base from Waterford City who may be time poor and will use our click and collect service, ensuing their gift is wrapped and paid for on collection. It works very well.”
Irish consumers spend around €850,000 per hour, 24 hours a day online. With the trend ever increasing towards online spending it is estimated that only 30% of small Irish businesses are engaged in any meaningful way in e-Commerce sales. For businesses employing less than ten people this percentage could be even lower. It is now believed that of online purchases made in Ireland that 70% of these are done in overseas markets.
Applicants interested in a Trading Online Voucher can now apply online using a link on Waterford’s Local Enterprise Office website. Those wishing to avail of a voucher, must attend an obligatory information seminar. At each seminar attendees will be informed of the purpose of the scheme and how best to use and get value from the application of the voucher. You can book the next information seminar via the website.
Please reach out to your local LEO team by emailing info@leo.waterfordcouncil.ie if you any questions in relation to your application, quotes or Information Seminar.
Finders Keepers can be reached by www.finderskeepersthestore.ie
LEO Waterford hosts networking event for clients at Mount Congreve
The Local Enterprise Office Waterford held a networking event for its clients recently at Mount Congreve Garden on Thursday December 15th. The purpose of the event was to celebrate grant recipients in 2022.
One of the many business services the Local Enterprise Office makes available is the allocation of Priming Grants, a business start-up grant available to micro-enterprises within the first 18 months of start-up. Expenditure is considered for capital items, salary costs, general overhead costs and innovation / marketing costs.
Jacqui Gaule, Acting Head of Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office Waterford explained the importance of the LEO, “In 2022 Local Enterprise Office Waterford continued to provide a range of supports to help small business get off the ground, overcome challenges, hire new staff, fund innovation, manage various challenges and plan for the future. The range of supports on offer from the Local Enterprise Office will help anyone seeking to start or grow a small business through highly practical services such as professional business and management training, mentoring, networking opportunities, finance and much more.”
As of 2022, the Local Enterprise Offices network supports over 38,000 jobs across over 7,000 LEO client companies all over Ireland. Since the LEOs were established in 2014 their clients have created over 18,000 jobs in small businesses across the country.
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Coffeehouse Lane wins inaugural Waterford Digital Awards
Michael Quinn – Waterford Council, Tommy O’Connor – Coffeehouse Lane, Cllr. John O’Leary – Mayor, Brid Kirby – LEO
Waterford Local Enterprise Office, together with Waterford City and County Council are pleased to announce Coffeehouse Lane as their first Waterford Digital Awards Overall Winner.
The ceremony, which took place at Dooley’s Hotel on Friday 28th October, aimed to recognise and reward SMEs based in County Waterford who have developed their ecommerce and digital platforms as part of their product offering.
Coffeehouse Lane, the overall winner, is an Artisan Coffee roaster and producer with strong Waterford roots. It is owned by the Bergin family and run by Mark Bergin. Its range of coffees is not just inspired by its name, but also by the ethos of coffee roasting and brewing back to 1690 when Coffee House Lane, adjacent to the then busy trading port of Waterford, boasted what is long believed to be Ireland’s first ever coffee house. Green Coffee was traded at the port, then roasted, brewed and sold at John Aikenhead’s Coffee House on what became Coffee House Lane of Waterford.
Mark was obviously delighted to win the award, “When Coffee House Lane started out, we were committed to not only producing Artisan Coffee of the highest quality but also building a business that we had fun working at. We are always open to new ideas and evolving. Any modern retail business needs an effective digital sales and promotions platform. Our website is an extension of our business and our family’s attitude to our work. We’re thrilled to win this, the first Waterford Digital Awards trophy and would like to thank the team at the Local Enterprise Office who have helped us grow and grow, for many years now.”
The winners of each award category were:
- Best Business to Business Website – NC Consulting & Co.
- Best Business to Customer Website – Coffeehouse Lane
- Best E Commerce Website – Murphy Larkin Timber Products Ltd.
- Best Export Website – Herdsy
- Best in social media – Pepper Hustle
The winner of each category received €1,000 towards technical advice, photography, videography and marketing. The overall winner received €2,500 in cash.
Jacqui Gaule, Senior Enterprise Development Officer with Local Enterprise Office Waterford was extremely impressed with the standard of entries, “For the past number of years the Local Enterprise Offices have been promoting the importance of online sales. Though even we didn’t realise how high the bar had been set. The judges spent much longer than expected debating and deliberating on who should win each category, let alone the overall prize.
“Through training and Trading Online Vouchers many of our clients have transitioned to include digital sales and promotional platforms. This development has reaped financial rewards for many, while these awards are an opportunity to give them some public acclaim also.”
For further information follow this link www.localenterprise.ie/Waterford, contact LEO Waterford at 051 849905 or email info@leo.waterfordcouncil.ie.
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Minister Humphreys announces the 26 towns to benefit from €2.6 million fund to enhance streetscapes and shopfronts
Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has today announced the 26 towns and villages that will benefit from a €2.6 million fund to support the enhancement of streetscapes and shopfronts, with Tallow, Co. Waterford set to receive €100,000.
Under the Streetscape Enhancement Initiative, retailers and property owners will be provided with grants
that they can use to improve the facades of their buildings, carry out artwork or install features such as street furniture or canopies. The overall purpose of the Scheme is to give our towns and villages a facelift and make them more attractive places to live, work or visit.
Minister Humphreys today announced the 26 towns that have been selected for funding with each local authority to receive €100,000 as part of the Initiative. The Minister today urged businesses, property owners and retailers in the 26 towns to apply to their local authority to avail of funding.
Making the announcement today, Minister Humphreys said, “When I announced this initiative last year, there was a hugely positive reaction from businesses and retailers. I’m therefore delighted to announce 26 additional towns that will benefit from €2.6 million in funding from my Department. We all take pride in our rural towns and villages and want them to be as attractive and welcoming as possible. That’s exactly what Streetscapes is all about. I want as many businesses and property owners to get involved over the next few weeks and to avail of this funding. You may wish to give the front of your shop a new lease of life and repaint it in bright, vibrant colours. Perhaps you want to cover your windowsills with flowers and plants or purchase street furniture, canopies for your customers to enjoy. Or maybe you have an even bolder idea. This time round, I’m encouraging neighbouring businesses to submit a joint application to their local authority if they have a more ambitious proposal. For example, under the first tranche of funding, some businesses transformed their facades with attractive murals – that’s one way to make your town stand out.”
Richie Walsh, Senior Rural Development Officer, Waterford City and County Council said, “Waterford City and County Council’s Rural Development team is delighted with the announcement of €100,000 for Tallow under the Street Enhancement Scheme. While the specifics of the scheme are not yet finalised, the team will be shortly engaging with property owners and with local community organisations in Tallow to ensure that the maximum impact can be achieved for the community.”
The 26 towns due to receive the funding were selected by each local authority in consultation with local businesses and community groups. Local authorities will manage the initiative locally and will be advertising for applications in the coming weeks. The initiative is a key part of Our Rural Future and will make our rural towns and villages more vibrant and attractive places to live, work and visit.
The types of projects that could be supported include – strategic collaboration between property owners to paint buildings and/or shopfronts in vibrant colours, upgrade or restoration of historic / traditional shopfronts, provision of street planting, shrubbery, trees and flowers boxes, installation of canopies and murals/public artwork.
Waterford Student Enterprise final broadcast
The Waterford Student Enterprise final will be broadcast on Thursday March 10th at 11am.
The final will be broadcast live on the Local Enterprise Office’s Facebook page and YouTube account, see link below.
Every year approximately 29,000 students participate in this programme nationally and over 750 students from 11 Waterford schools took part in the programme this year. They generate an enterprise idea, they research the market, they produce a product or service, brand it, market it and sell it. They learn about finance, marketing, prototypes, teamwork and the pressures of running their own business.
Nine awards will be given out during the broadcast including the overall senior winner, who will go on to represent Waterford at the national finals in May. Please support these students by tuning in at 11am on Thursday March 10th and distribute the link to anyone who think might be interested.
CLOSING THIS WEEK : Shop Front Improvement Scheme 2022
Waterford Council has now opened applications for the 2022 Shop Front Improvement Scheme to support city and town centre businesses in improving their shop front aesthetic. As part of this scheme Waterford will cover 50% of the costs for successful candidates for shop front refurbishment up to a maximum of €1,000 or €2,000 depending on the works. This scheme covers businesses in Waterford City centre, Dungarvan town centre and Tramore town centre.
The scheme is now open and will take applications until the 3rd of March 2022, 5pm for works to be completed by the 31st of August 2022.
Waterford Businesses encouraged to take advantage of Local Enterprise Week
Businesses across Waterford are being encouraged to take advantage of the array of events and topics at this year’s Local Enterprise Week. The initiative of the Local Enterprise Offices takes place from the 7th to 11th March with over 220 events for businesses and entrepreneurs taking place in person and online across the country and 26 in Waterford city and county.
The theme of this year’s Week is “Making It Happen” and is focused on helping businesses to look forward and to future proof themselves for the years ahead. The full listings for the week in Waterford can be found on www.localenterprise.ie/Waterford/Enterprise-Development/Local-Enterprise-Week
There is a wide variety of topics and events in this year’s listing. Kicking off the week in Waterford on Monday March 7th is a HR Advice Clinic. If you have Human Resources issues or concerns, LEO Waterford is providing one-to-one HR Advice Clinics for small or micro business in Waterford city and county.
Also on the Monday afternoon is a Trading Online information session. The Trading Online Voucher Scheme offers small businesses, trading over 6 months, the opportunity to create or develop an e-commerce project by availing of vouchers of up to €2,500 or 50% of eligible expenditure.
Those wishing to avail of a voucher, must attend our Information Seminar, where attendees will be informed of the purpose of the scheme and how best to use and get value from the application of the voucher.
While on Tuesday March 8th Waterford is hosting a fascinating event, Thinking Around Corners, Creativity & Creating Opportunities from Problems.
This is a series of five webinars, though each webinar can be booked as a stand-alone workshop. Each workshop has been designed to allow participants to check out a range of different and exciting ways of assessing and dealing with problems and discovering and creating opportunities for future success.
Other events taking place throughout Local Enterprise Week in Waterford include one of the national Spotlighted events, The Social Media Mashup, not to mention the County final for the national enterprise awards, the county final for the student enterprise programme, a business after hours with Waterford Chamber, Roadmap to Funding & Supports for Innovative Business Ideas, and a one-to-one financial advice clinic.
Local Enterprise Week is the perfect opportunity for many businesses to dip into a specific area of interest and gather information on a topic that may be relevant to their business now or in the future. It also provides the perfect opportunity for someone who may be interested in starting a business to get an idea of some of the key areas of focus and how to take those first steps.
To register for Local Enterprise Week events taking place in Waterford city and county from March 2nd to 6th, or to find out more about what business support services are available visit www.localenterprise.ie/Waterford/
Most events are online and completely free of charge while some have a nominal booking fee. As with every year, many of the events are expected to book up quickly so early booking is strongly advised.
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Shop Front Improvement Scheme 2022
Waterford Council has now opened applications for the 2022 Shop Front Improvement Scheme to support city and town centre businesses in improving their shop front aesthetic. As part of this scheme Waterford will cover 50% of the costs for successful candidates for shop front refurbishment up to a maximum of €1,000 or €2,000 depending on the works. This scheme covers businesses in Waterford City centre, Dungarvan town centre and Tramore town centre.
The scheme is now open and will take applications until the 3rd of March 2022, 5pm for works to be completed by the 31st of August 2022.
Local Enterprise Office Waterford announces programme for Local Enterprise Week 2022
Local Enterprise Office Waterford announces programme for Local Enterprise Week 2022
Waterford Local Enterprise Office has announced a programme of 26 events during Local Enterprise Week 2022, taking place for Waterford City and County businesses from March 7th to March 11th.
This year’s Local Enterprise Week will feature a host of informative and engaging workshops, seminars, presentations and advice clinics aimed at local businesses, whether in pre-start, start-up or as an established business looking to grow.
You can learn how to create digital opportunities for business, talk to financial and HR experts, see future trends for food exporting, get advice for selling online or even learn how to think around corners.
A key event in this jam-packed programme is the ‘Social Media Mash-Up’, taking place on Thursday March 10th from 2p to 4pm. Titled ‘Future opportunities for your business’ this two hour event hosted by Teresanne O’Reilly features Twitter expert, Author, International speaker Samantha Kelly; one of the world’s youngest serial entrepreneurs, a BAFTA nominated 20 year old and self-taught programmer Jordan Casey; the creator of Waterford Whispers News Colm Williamson and founder of Waterford in your pocket Paul Dower.
Kicking off the week in Waterford at 11am on Monday March 7th is a vital event for all current and future entrepreneurs, ‘Roadmap to funding and supports for innovative business ideas’. This one-hour session takes those attending through the financial and alternative supports available to those wish to take their idea or their business to the next level.
Later on Monday, at 4.30pm Waterford LEO is hosting a complementary session on how best to obtain and utilise a trading online voucher.
Given Waterford’s rich culinary traditions and sparkling successes over the past number of years it Is not surprising that food takes up a big part of the week. Anyone in food production shouldn’t miss the ‘Food exporting event’ on Thursday March 10th from 12 noon to 2pm.
Head of Enterprise at Local Enterprise Office Waterford Richie Walsh said, “This year’s Local Enterprise Week programme has something for everyone, whatever phase your business is in, or whatever sector your business is in. The range of events and the calibre of speakers and facilitators have been specifically chosen by the team here in Waterford to address, with practical insight, what is required in achieving your business goals.”
“Waterford Local Enterprise Office is delighted to work in conjunction with various key business support organisations and state agencies, including Enterprise Ireland and Waterford Chamber of Commerce to provide a programme that ultimately gives start-ups and small businesses opportunities, advice and resources to unleash their potential and help them on the path to growth.”
Other events taking place throughout Local Enterprise Week include the County final for the national enterprise awards, the county final for the student enterprise programme, a business after hours with Waterford Chamber, Thinking Around Corners: Creativity and Creating Opportunities from Problems, and a one-to-one HR advice clinic.
To register for Local Enterprise Week events taking place in Waterford city and county from March 2nd to 6th, or to find out more about what business support services are available visit www.localenterprise.ie/Waterford/
Most events are online and completely free of charge while some have a nominal booking fee. As with every year, many of the events are expected to book up quickly so early booking is strongly advised.
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