Local Enterprise Week 2023 will take place from Monday 6th - Friday 10th March 2023 with a series of local business events and initiatives scheduled to take place over the week.
Local Enterprise Office Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown (LEO DLR) are hosting a number of events in person and online.
The events are low cost, easily accessible and are local, regional and national. The network of the 31 Local Enterprise Offices will come together nationally to host an array of dynamic and interactive training and networking events to help small businesses to plan, start, sustain and grow.
We can't wait to reconnect with the businesses and entrepreneurs in DLR and hope you will join us for Local Enterprise Week.
Local Enterprise Week Events
Monday 6th March
FIRST STEPS TO EXPORT SUCCESS - NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT EVENT
The Local Enterprise Office, Enterprise Ireland and Bord Bia are hosting a webinar targeting businesses who want to take those first steps or are early stage exportters to successfully develop export success.
Business will be able to receive expert advice on market opportunities and insights from Enterprise Ireland's Manager UK, Deirdre McPartlin and Anne Lanigan, Regional Director of the Eurozone for Enterprise Ireland.
Bord Bia’s Claudia Saumell, Client Engagement Manager, will speak on how Bord Bia engages with potential food exporters and the LEO’s Tracey Tallon and Enterprise Ireland’s Naghmeh Reilly will outline supports available.
MC for the event is Richard Curran, a journalist, broadcaster and author and presenter of The Business radio show on RTE Radio One.
Monday, 6th March / 9:30am - 11:30am / Online / Free
PRICING FOR VALUE DURING TURBULENT TIMES - GUIDANCE FOR START-UPS AND SMES
Pricing is at the heart of every business, and given its massive influence on the future success of a business, it warrants immediate attention at early sales stage. It is ever more important during inflation, recession and other turbulent events.
It is often overlooked and undervalued in many businesses, both start-up and mature, leading to slim margins, missed sales targets and in quite a number of cases business failure. This is not all that surprising as pricing as a topic is very complicated and not intuitive, and is often said to be more of an art than a science. In this workshop the attendee will increase their knowledge of this critical area.
The workshop is being delivered by Sagy Gulianka, an internationally recognised pricing specialist with 24 years of multi-sector Pricing experience. Today, Sagy is considered to be Israel’s leading pricing expert, and is the go-to pricing guru for the High-Tech community.
Monday 6th March / 2:30pm - 4:00pm / Online via Zoom / €10
Tuesday 7th March
GOOGLE 'YOUR THE BUSINESS' - NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT EVENT
Take your business to the next level by joining us for exclusive online digital training for You’re The Business.
Wherever you are on your digital journey, we’re here to help you go further. Sign up for one, two, or all three of the live virtual sessions to help you get your business online, develop your existing digital skills, and even expand into new markets.
All training is available free of charge.
This programme is brought to you by Google Ireland, in partnership with Enterprise Ireland, and your Local Enterprise Office.
Tuesday, 7th March / 9:30am - 1:00pm / Online / Free
PITCH PERFECT: BATTLE OF THE START-UPS
As part of Local Enterprise Week 2023, TU Dublin, in association with the four Dublin area Local Enterprise Offices (Dublin City, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, Fingal, South Dublin) are delighted to sponsor this pitch competition to find Dublin’s most exciting start-up.
Tuesday, 7th March / 10:45am - 1:00pm / TU Dublin, East Quad / Free
HOW TO EASILY START A PODCAST AROUND YOUR BUSINESS
One in three Irish people listen to a podcast every month, we are famous for our love of storytelling and this is proving to be true for the 21st century’s newest form of the medium which can be listened to while walking the dog or driving the car.
You can use this medium to help grow your business. A podcast gives you the chance to more deeply engage with existing customers and turn them into enthusiastic brand advocates, but it also gives you the opportunity to reach new potential customers who may not know about your company, but are interested in the specific topic of your podcast.
You can actually start creating your own podcast series for free and it’s easier than you think, starting with just your smartphone using specific apps and techniques.
This introduction webinar workshop will train you all about Podcasting.
Tuesday, 7th March / 2:00pm - 5:00pm / Online / €10
Wednesday 8th March
THE FUTURE OF FOODS - TRENDS 2023
This 2023 food and beverage trends event is the highlight of the Dublin Food Chain annual calendar. The event will be packed full of great ideas led by a panel of industry experts.
Enhance your business knowledge on the latest food innovations, consumer trends and knowledge of what is happening within the retail and foodservice sectors in Ireland and beyond.
In addition, ahead of the event participants will be able to enjoy the DFC food village which will feature a showcase of innovative support services for the food and beverage sector e.g. innovative packaging, product development supports, etc.
Wednesday, 8th March / 10:30am - 1:00pm / Louis Fitzgerald Hotel, Naas Road / €10
GREEN SUSTAINABILITY & COMPETITIVENESS - NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT EVENT
The Green Panel is facilitated by Journalist, Broadcaster, Presenter of RTE's Programme Ear to the Ground, Helen Carroll and aims to inform, inspire and engage owner managers and their key staff in how they can implement Green technologies, processes and products to their business in order to be more competitive.
This panel event will feature, Ronan Murphy from Vision Green Consultancy who has implemented Green and Circular Economy projects for some of Irelands Best Known Brands and Manufacturing Entrepreneur, Pat Almond of Carlow Toolmaking Services and Tourism & Hospitality Entrepeneur, Mary White of Blackstairs Eco Trails.
Wednesday, 8th March / 11:00am - 12:30am / Online / Free
AGE FRIENDLY BUSINESS RECOGNITION PROGRAMME - SEMINAR
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown county has a higher than average proportion of people aged over 65, with 16% of the population (almost 35,000 people) in that age bracket.
Older people account for up to 50% of consumer spending. Are you doing everything you can to capture and retain this powerful customer base?
Your business should be Age Friendly because; it is simple to achieve, it is low cost or cost neutral, it opens up new business for you and it's the right thing to do!
Wednesday, 8th March / 11:00am - 12:00 / Online / Free
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT FOR BUSINESS
Sustainability is becoming a strategic driver for business of all sizes, creating opportunities to build capacity, innovate and grow. Sustainable Development for Business is a way of thinking about how the world businesses operate in new approaches that will help make a balanced impact at a social, environmental and economic level.
This Sustainable Development for Business workshop will help you understand what sustainable development really means and equip you with the mindset and tools needed to analyse your business models and identify changes and opportunities for sustainable innovation and growth.
Wednesday, 8th March / 2:30pm - 5:30pm / Online / €10
Thursday 9th March
EXPORT MARKETS AND SCALING YOUR BUSINESS EFFECTIVELY
This dynamic session will focus on export development, business innovation and the new trends for developing business in international markets.
The morning will be packed with novel and creative approaches to export development in the digital age, exploring how to sell online, engage new customers abroad and create a roadmap for internationalising your business. Learn unique tools for mapping, researching and engaging export markets and scaling business effectively.
Facilitated by Sam Marchetti of ConsortiaCo, an advisor and business consultant to over 400 SMEs and 50 Public Sector Agencies across Ireland with a diverse focus across business development and sales, sustainability, workplace wellbeing, innovation and digitalisation.
Thursday, 9th March / 9:30am - 11:30am / Talbot Hotel, Stillorgan / €10
DRIVE COST SAVING WITH LEAN - NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT EVENT
Looking for ways to improve competitiveness and productivity in your business?
This online panel discussion, facilitated by Allyson English of Jigsaw Better Business, will examine how Lean for Micro can help you achieve cost savings, enhance team performance and how process optimisation can inform your developing digital strategy.
Hosted by Local Enterprise Office Dublin City, this Spotlight event is a must for all businesses ambitious for growth.
Thursday, 9th March / 2:30pm - 3:30pm / Online / Free
Friday 10th March
INNOVATE FOR BUSINESS SUCCESS 2023 - NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT EVENT
LEO Kilkenny is hosting this event to celebrate the thriving culture of innovation that exists throughout Ireland today.
The event is guaranteed to engage, empower and inspire entrepreneurs across the country and will focus on how to build a competitive advantage through business innovation.
A key factor to any successful business, regardless of size, is innovation. Developing new ideas is the fuel that will keep your business up to date. Innovation will keep operations, products, and services fresh. Adding this fuel will make your business more competitive.
Speakers include; Director of the Institute of Designers Ireland and Head of The Big Idea Kim McKenzie Doyle, Lynne Whelan, Design+ from Design+ SETU and Jessica Reynolds, Technical Advisor - Research, Development and Innovation (RD&I) Fund, Enterprise Ireland
Friday, 10th March / 10:00am - 11:30am / Online / Free
MAXIMISING SALES THROUGH YOUR LINKEDIN NETWORK
LinkedIn is one of the most important tools that you can use today to promote both yourself and your business - yet a lot of people do not unlock its full potential.
This workshop will touch on the important role networking (and especially online networking) has in creating and promoting business opportunities & growth, and the central part LinkedIn plays in it.
This in person workshop will include real examples and tips & tricks (it is recommended to have the LinkedIn app on your phone for the best trick!) which some can be applied immediately.
This is the perfect workshop just before the famous Peer to Pier Networking Walk which starts afterwards.
Friday, 10th March / 2.00pm - 3.00pm / The Studio, dlrLexIcon / €10
PEER TO PIER NETWORKING WALK
Join us for our sixth Networking Walk on Dun Laoghaire's East Pier on Friday 10th March. Our highly requested Peer to Pier networking walk is back!
Are you sick of not meeting new people, chance meetings and sitting down all day?
Meet like-minded people, share stories and do business in this highly effective networking format. The feedback has been fantastic from previous walks with the general experience being highly positive. Walking and networking, as it happens, are a great way to start a meaningful business relationship, create new opportunities and gain different perspectives.
Enjoy a coffee or ice cream at the end of the pier and relax and unwind at the Royal St George Yacht Club for even more networking afterwards.
Friday, 10th March / 3.00pm (Meeting point - Dún Laoghaire Baths) / Free
TRADING ONLINE VOUCHER WEBINAR - REGIONAL EVENT
This information session is mandatory for any business in advance of applying for a Trading Online Voucher. The session will cover various topics, including developing a website, digital marketing, social media for business and search engine optimisation. The information provided is impartial and will help you decide on what trading online options are right for your business.
Many businesses, just like yours, have already benefited from the scheme. Your Local Enterprise Office can help and support you throughout the process.
For many, the question is not whether to trade online, it’s how to start. You can also apply for a second Trading Online Voucher to upgrade your web-site if you have already availed of the scheme.
Friday, 10th March / 2.00pm-5:00pm / Online / Free
Throughout Local Enterprise Week
FREE BUSINESS MENTORING SESSIONS
Throughout Local Enterprise Week 2023, we will be offering (on a first come basis) free 1 hour one to one sessions with one of our Business Mentors.
The Mentoring Sessions will take place remotely during the week (6th - 10th March).
As we will have a limited number of sessions available, advance booking must be made. Once you book a free session, a Business Mentor will contact you directly to arrange an appointment.
Monday, 6th March - Friday, 10th March / Online / Free
National & Regional Events
Partner Events
SOUTHSIDE PARTNERSHIP WORKSHOP - BUSINESS IDEA GENERATION
Are you unemployed and living in Dún Laoghaire Rathdown?
Would you like to know more about becoming self-employed?
This workshop will facilitate participants to look at their work experience, hobbies, skills and interests and identify possible opportunities for self-employment. It will help learners develop confidence and highlight creative thinking techniques that can be used outside of the training context.
Delivered by: Maeve Finch
Monday, 6th March / 10:00am - 1:00pm / Online / Free
SOUTHSIDE PARTNERSHIP WORKSHOP - INTRODUCTION TO SELF-EMPLOYMENT
Are you unemployed and living in Dún Laoghaire Rathdown?
Would you like to know more about becoming self-employed?
Topics covered will include: Moving from ‘Social Welfare’ to self-employment; Business structures; Introduction to the Business Plan and Personal management strategies for business owners.
Delivered by: Peter Cronin
Tuesday, 7th March / 10:00am - 1:00pm / Online / Free
SOUTHSIDE PARTNERSHIP WORKSHOP - INTRODUCTION TO MARKETING
Are you unemployed and living in Dún Laoghaire Rathdown?
Would you like to know more about becoming self-employed?
This practical workshop introduces participants to how knowledge of the customer and competition work together with the Marketing Mix (product, price, promotion and positioning).
Delivered by: Christine O'Brien
Wednesday, 8th March / 10:00am - 1:00pm / Online / Free
SOUTHSIDE PARTNERSHIP WORKSHOP - INTRODUCTION TO PRICING
Are you unemployed and living in Dún Laoghaire Rathdown?
Would you like to know more about becoming self-employed?
This workshop will introduce the decisions that go into setting your price, including relating pricing to marketing decisions, the difference between sales and income costs, and breakeven point.
Delivered by: Cosmo Mellon
Thursday, 9th March / 10:00am - 1:00pm / Online / Free
SOUTHSIDE PARTNERSHIP WORKSHOP - INTRODUCTION TO TAXATION
Are you unemployed and living in Dún Laoghaire Rathdown?
Would you like to know more about becoming self-employed?