The rural region of the north and west of Ireland received a welcome boost after the EU decided to name the area the European Entrepreneurial Region 2018.
The counties coming under the scope of the award are Monaghan, Cavan and Donegal, as well as the counties of Connacht – Mayo, Galway, Leitrim, Sligo and Roscommon.
The news was warmly greeted by Minister for Business at the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Pat Breen, who emphasised the importance of start-ups and small businesses to the rural economy.
Speaking at the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) in Galway yesterday, July 11, the minister said: “New start-ups and small businesses are critical for the Irish economy as a whole and for balanced regional development.
I am greatly encouraged to see first-hand the level of entrepreneurial activity in Galway and the genuine talent, commitment and imagination of local entrepreneurs.
“I am also delighted with the announcement that the ‘Northern and Western Region’ has been designated European Entrepreneurial Region 2018 by the European Union.
“The European Entrepreneurial Region (EER) is a project that identifies and rewards EU regions and cities which show an outstanding and innovative entrepreneurial policy strategy irrespective of their size, wealth and competences.”
Breen added: “This award is a tangible demonstration of the fact that entrepreneurship and the appetite for more start-ups in Galway and the surrounding counties is alive and well.
“It is also a testament to the fact that the LEOs – working with other agencies and organisations – are central to delivering on the ambition of helping people to help themselves, building a culture of entrepreneurship and enterprise, delivering jobs in every county in Ireland.”
LEOs are, in the words of the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, the “first stop shop” for providing guidance, advice, financial assistance and soft supports – through training and mentoring given to anyone attempting to start up or expand a business.
The offices are particularly important for rural areas, ensuring locally-based support for new businesses.
- Dunmasc Genetics, a Laois-based company specialising in AI, genetics and fertility management services;
- The Leitrim Food Strategy, which aims to create 250 jobs in the agri-food sector between 2017 and 2021;
- The Friendly Farmer, an enterprise that produces free-range meat, particularly poultry, in Galway.
LEOs also offer assistance in pointing out the relevant state supports in place for entrepreneurs – both rural and otherwise.