Enterprise centre offers networking space for businesses

A new enterprise centre will open in a north Cork town this week as part of a county-wide initiative to support start-up businesses.

Charleville’s E Centre has been developed under a partnership between Charleville Chamber, Cork County Council and Ballyhoura Development.

It is the latest in a network of E Centres — there are similar facilities in Macroom, Bantry and Fermoy — which have been developed as part of the council’s economic development fund.

Based on Baker’s Road, Charleville’s facility has seven ‘hot desks’ which can be rented monthly or on a half-day basis by firms which then share back-office facilities at a low cost with other entrepreneurs.

Open 24 hours a day, it has broadband, direct-dial telephones, a break-out area and meeting facilities.

The centre will also be open to those who wish to book meeting space for training or other events.

Crucially, it will offer a networking environment where businesses can establish and develop supportive contacts with each other and state enterprise bodies.

PJ McCarthy, president of Charleville Chamber, said it will play a key role in encouraging small business start ups.

“Already two business people have committed to E Charleville, reflecting the gap that exists and the growing need to provide such facilities,” he said.

“We want to encourage small business and individuals that have an idea to come and talk to us at E Charleville, and use the supports structures that are already available.”

Ger Power, the county council’s head of finance and economic development, said the ‘E Centres Fund’ is open to any town or village in Ireland.

“We aim to have a number of these centres in a network around the county,” he said.

Ideal clients for such centres include those who are starting or growing a business, those who wish to use a smaller office space due to the need for downsizing, or those who are working remotely from head office and do not wish to work from home.

It will be opened by Tim Lombard, county mayor, on Wednesday.

* More information on the E Centres project is available online at www.ecentres.ie