First National Enterprise Week launched

Ireland's first National Enterprise Week began today with the aim of promoting indigenous entrepreneurship and raising awareness of the support available to small businesses.

Hosted by Bank of Ireland in conjunction with Enterprise Ireland, the programme of over 120 events runs from today until Friday.

With a theme of 'Getting Business Moving', the week will feature Bank of Ireland branches across the country hosting a series of business events which will include business advice open days, enterprise evenings, business networking events, business breakfasts and business showcase/expo events.

Speakers will include bank personnel; local partners including county/city enterprise boards, local chambers of commerce, Enterprise Europe Network and local business networks; local business service providers and successful local entrepreneurs.

The initiative is being held in support of first European SME Week, taking place from 6 to 14 May 2009, which is a campaign to promote entrepreneurship across Europe and to inform entrepreneurs about support available for them at European, national and local level.

"Business customers need more right now – they need a range of supports and advice," said Damian Young, Head of Small Business, Bank of Ireland Business Banking. "This is what this week is about."

"It will also provide businesses with the opportunity to meet with ‘experts’, provide opportunities to network with other businesses and provide direction and encouragement to people who are thinking about setting up a business.

"We are delighted to support this innovative initiative as part of European SME Week," said Tom Hayes of Enterprise Ireland.

"Now more than ever small businesses need advice and support to start a new business or grow an existing one. It is vital for existing businesses to adapt to the current market challenges."