LEOs will focus on decarbonization, digitalization and exports under the new policy

Local Enterprise Offices (LEO) under the new policy proposed by the government, it will place greater emphasis on decarbonization, digitalization and increasing exports.

The first ever Local Enterprise Offices policy statement was developed by the Government in partnership with Enterprise Ireland, local authorities, the LEO network and in consultation with the SME and Enterprise Task Force, and sets out 12 actions to be implemented by 2030.

The policy changes introduced will include climate-focused assessment criteria for capital grants to companies operating in internationally traded manufacturing and services, as well as measuring the impact of climate-related support after the fact.

There will also be changes to LEO’s digitalization offering to ensure greater consistency and eligibility, as well as greater emphasis on the role of the new National Enterprise Centre, the government’s website for accessing business support.

LEO and Enterprise Ireland will introduce an export accelerator to help SMEs, and the document provides greater commitment to the digitalization project of LEO’s customer relationship management system.

Minister of Entrepreneurship, Trade and Employment Piotr Burek said the policy statement “will provide clarity and certainty on how our LEOs will continue to be the point of contact for businesses.

“Their doors are always open and over 370,000 businesses are eligible for some type of support from LEO, such as help to start and grow your business, as well as expert advice on saving time, money and energy, mentoring, training and general business advice. “

He added that LEOs would immediately take action such as increasing energy efficiency grants, making grants available to help more businesses digitize and launching an Irish top emerging entrepreneurs program.

Leo ClancyCEO Company Irelandstated: “LEO companies will play a key role in leading the effort to support small businesses in their digital transformation and enable more sustainable growth.

“We will also make it easier for businesses of all sectors and sizes to understand what support is available to them from various government bodies through the new National Enterprise Hub (NEH).”

Since its inception in 2014, LEO companies have approved €188 million in funding and provided business start-up training to over 42,000 people, with 1,100 companies subsequently moving to Enterprise Ireland to continue their continued growth

Over the past decade, the number of LEO client companies (7,167) has increased by 18%, and these companies have created a total of 72,395 jobs, a net increase of over 28,000 jobs over that time.

(Photo: included)