Waterford Local Enterprise Office is open for business

020_leo_160916A large number of clients, mentors and entrepreneurs were in attendance at a recent Open Day at Waterford Local Enterprise Office to hear about the range of supports on offer to Waterford’s budding businesses.

The Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Adam Wyse and the Minister of State for Training, Skills and Innovation, Mr. John Halligan T.D. were welcomed to the open day by Mr. Richie Walsh, Head of Enterprise at Waterford Local Enterprise Office who outlined the supports available to anyone thinking of starting a business in Waterford.

“Waterford in open for business and we at the Waterford LEO are delighted to support these businesses, be they an idea, a start–up or an established business that is looking to expand.”

“Since we opened our doors as Waterford Local Enterprise Office two years ago, we have seen the “family” of Waterford entrepreneurs grow.  There is no shortage of entrepreneurs who have come to us with ideas for a start-up that has the potential to grow, to create jobs and to contribute to the local economy.”

Mr. Walsh added, “The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in Waterford and we all must do everything in our power to help, support, encourage and nurture these businesses.”

Waterford LEO has provided “first stop shop” supports for start-ups, micro enterprises and small businesses since its formation in 2014.  Services such as business training, mentoring, grant assistance, enterprise education and more are in place to encourage the growth of the small business sector in Waterford.

In two years, Waterford LEO is the 4th highest performing Enterprise Office nationally and last year alone €633,000 was approved for direct grant-aiding to 35 local businesses.

Waterford LEO has met with almost 900 clients and provided over €1.5 million in business grants and funding and over €1 million in soft supports such as training and mentoring.

If you have a business idea and want to find out what assistance is available to you contact your Local Enterprise Office at 35, The Mall in Waterford City or the Civic Offices in Dungarvan. Alternatively, visit www.localenterprise.ie/Waterford/