18 November 2015
By Bryan T. Smyth
bryan@TheCork.ie
The 31 Local Enterprise Offices have announced a new partnership with Enterprise Europe Network (EEN), the world’s largest support network for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises.
Through Local Enterprise Office, Cork City, this will mean free access for Cork City client companies to Europe’s largest database with up to 10,000 new business and technology opportunities in the EU and many other major global markets.
Speaking at the announcement, the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton TD commented: “This new partnership between the Enterprise Europe Network and the Local Enterprise Offices will provide Irish companies with an important gateway into the EU and a bigger footprint globally. I am confident that this new partnership will help our companies forge new international partnerships which will contribute to a boost in Irish exports.”
The Enterprise Europe Network in Ireland is a joint partnership between the 31 Local Enterprise Offices, Enterprise Ireland, Dublin Chamber of Commerce and Cork Chamber of Commerce. Launched in January, the Network is co-financed under ‘COSME’, the EU funding programme for the Competitiveness of Enterprises and SMEs. The services are tailored for SMEs but are also available to all other businesses, universities and research centres.
Also speaking at the announcement Tom Hayes, Divisional Manager, Regions & Entrepreneurship, Enterprise Ireland said: “Today’s announcement will open doors for Irish companies to foster new partnerships and access up to 60 international markets, get advice on EU funding and support on bringing their innovative products and technologies to a global audience. It is an important step in bringing Irish companies closer to our European counterparts, and will enhance the services that Local Enterprise Offices can offer Irish companies.”
Adrienne Rodgers, Head of Enterprise, Local Enterprise Office, Cork City commented: “As the first-stop shop for enterprise, the network of Local Enterprise Offices’ role is to encourage a culture of entrepreneurship in Ireland. In partnership with the Enterprise European Network, Local Enterprise Offices across the country can now support SMEs in becoming more knowledgeable and competitive in global markets, leading to greater international business opportunities.”
For further information or to contact the local EEN advisor go to www.localenterprise.ie/corkcity. Information on the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) can be found on the dedicated Irish website www.een-ireland.ie or the EU website http://een.ec.europa.eu/
