Increase in jobs created by Tipperary LEO
Supporting over 260 small businessses
Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Peter Burke, announced the annual results of the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) for 2024, which showed that Local Enterprise Office Tipperary supported companies created 149 jobs in 2024. This figure represents a significant increase of 150% in net jobs from that created by LEO Tipperary in 2023.
The net jobs created by Local Enterprise Office Tipperary supported clients in 2024 was 149, which takes into account companies that amalgamated, ceased trading and those that transferred on to Enterprise Ireland.
The new figures show that the LEO Tipperary financially supported 262 small businesses in their portfolio across the county these companies in turn employ 1,526 people.
The total national figures for the Local Enterprise Offices across the country were announced with the LEOs now financially supporting 39,541 jobs across 7,176 companies. This is the most jobs the Local Enterprise Offices have supported nationally since their inception in 2014.
In 2024 there were 7,104 new jobs created by LEO client companies with a net jobs’ creation figure of 2,459. This was up 7% nationally on 2023. From the jobs created, 81% were outside of the Dublin region.
The LEOs also provide substantial funded supports to thousands of other small businesses across the country with programmes such as the Energy Efficiency Grant, Lean for Business and Green for Business along with training and mentoring.
Minister Burke said; “The 31 Local Enterprise Offices continue to be the primary anchor for economic development in communities across the country. Our LEOs ensure that every small business, regardless of location, has a support system available to them, no matter what their concern. The continued broadening of the Local Enterprise Office remit highlights the value they add to our SME community. It has never been easier for a small business to access supports through their Local Enterprise Office, including companies looking to digitalise their operations, to take their first steps in sustainability or identifying new markets. These areas will be key pillars going forward to ensure our small businesses can continue to compete both at home and abroad. Government is firmly committed to supporting them all the way.”
The Local Enterprise Offices were to the fore in supporting small businesses across the country in 2024, helping thousands to become secure funding, upskill and avail of supports to becoming more sustainable and competitive. They also released new supports with the Grow Digital Voucher enabling small businesses to take their first steps in digitalisation and the Market Explorer Grant to support companies in looking at new markets.
Anthony Fitzgerald, Head of Enterprise at Tipperary LEO, commented: “The results announced are a testament to Ireland’s small business community. When faced with adversity, they have adapted, pivoted, upskilled and did whatever it took to sustain themselves. The figures show that companies have seen the opportunities in the challenging trading conditions they have faced. The Local Enterprise Offices across the country have gone above and beyond in their support of small businesses but there is renewed optimism. We are seeing new opportunities for Irish businesses here and as always with tough economic periods we see new ideas and companies emerge and flourish. This year will be no different and as we continue to work closely with Enterprise Ireland and the local authorities to ensure our small businesses get the best possible supports there are certainly green shoots emerging across the country.”
Commenting on the figures, Chief Executive, Tipperary County Council, Sinéad Carr said; “Local Enterprise Office Tipperary has demonstrated solid job growth in the micro and small sectors of the local economy since its inception in 2014. Coupled with direct job creation support, LEO Tipperary provides a range of soft supports in training, management development, digital and online, green and sustainability that help small companies in particular adapt to a fast-changing world.
“Tipperary County Council places a huge value on this service to local business and its integrated work within the Economic Community and Rural Development Directorate.”
The Local Enterprise Offices located in the local authorities and funded through Enterprise Ireland support thousands of small Irish businesses and entrepreneurs nationwide.
Since their establishment in 2014 they have been for the first stop shop for entrepreneurs and small businesses and providing a range of supports including financial, mentoring, training and sector specific expertise to help guide businesses at any stage of their development.