Headline speakers continue to make an impact this week, as participants the in Local Enterprise Week which has been running across County Cork and finished this Friday, 6th March.
Kilkenny Group CEO Evelyn Moynihan, entrepreneur Bobby Kerr, comedian Chris Kent, West Cork Distillers founder John O’Connell, and internationally acclaimed comic book artist Will Sliney are among the high profile speakers being joined by former Naval captain Marie Gleeson, photographer Joleen Cronin, and Mark White, founder of Padel Tennis Ireland, in a programme aimed at helping business owners navigate shifting consumer trends, emerging technologies and growing competitive pressures.
VARIED PROGRAMME
The initiative of Cork County Council’s Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) is bringing 25 events across the county, covering topics such as exporting, digital marketing, access to finance, leadership and artificial intelligence.
With events such as ‘Exporting Excellence: Turning Ambition into Action’, ‘Local Talent to Global Success’ and flagship event ‘Future Proofing Small Businesses’, having already taken place this week, this Thursday (5th) sees innovation and growth take centre stage at the Inchydoney Hotel, Clonakilty, in a conference hosted by entrepreneur Bobby Kerr.
Here, ‘Innovate to Elevate: Helping SMEs Grow in Challenging Times’ will feature fireside chats and panel discussions with business owners including John Boyle of Stone Valley Coffee Roasters, Laura Lyons, founder of Sónua Candles, and John O’Connell, whose West Cork Distillers brand has grown into a globally recognised drinks business.
While also on Thursday 4th, social entrepreneurship will be examined at ‘Rethinking Impact: Why Not a Social Enterprise’, at the Fota Education, Conservation & Research Centre. The event will include a keynote from Giorgia Anile, founder of The Toy Library, and will hear from social entrepreneurs working across Cork.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Cork County Council Chief Executive, Moira Murrell, outlined the importance of the week.
“Small businesses are the backbone of the local economy, and they are operating in an increasingly complex environment. Local Enterprise Week brings together experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts to share the kind of practical, actionable advice that can make a real difference. It’s an important investment in the resilience and long-term success of County Cork’s business community.”
Full programme details are available from the Local Enterprise Office website www.localenterprise.ie
