Global business opportunities open up for Irish SMEs through the Enterprise Europe Network

Today, the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN), the world’s largest support network for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises announced a new partnership with 31 Local Enterprise Offices in Ireland. This will mean free access for Irish companies to Europe’s largest database with up to 10,000 new business and technology opportunities in the EU and many other major global markets.

Speaking today at the announcement, the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton TD commented: “This new partnership between the Enterprise Europe Network and the Local Enterprise Offices will provide Irish companies with an important gateway into the EU and a bigger footprint globally. I am confident that this new partnership will help our companies forge new international partnerships which will contribute to a boost in Irish exports”.

The Enterprise Europe Network in Ireland is a joint partnership between Enterprise Ireland, Local Enterprise Offices, Dublin Chamber of Commerce and Cork Chamber of Commerce. Launched in January, the Network is co-financed under ‘COSME’, the EU funding programme for the Competitiveness of Enterprises and SMEs. The services are tailored for SMEs but are also available to all other businesses, universities and research centres.

Also speaking at the announcement Tom Hayes, Divisional Manager, Regions & Entrepreneurship, Enterprise Ireland said: “Today’s announcement will open doors for Irish companies to foster new partnerships and access up to 60 international markets, get advice on EU funding and support on bringing their innovative products and technologies to a global audience. It is an important step in bringing Irish companies closer to our European counterparts, and will enhance the services that Local Enterprise Offices can offer Irish companies”.

Oisin Geoghegan, Local Enterprise Offices commented: “As the first-stop shop for enterprise, the network of Local Enterprise Offices’ role is to encourage a culture of entrepreneurship in Ireland. In partnership with the Enterprise Europe Network, Local Enterprise Offices across the country can now support SMEs in becoming more knowledgeable and competitive in global markets, leading to greater international business opportunities”.

Information on the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) can be found on the dedicated Irish website www.een-ireland.ie as well as the EU website http://een.ec.europa.eu/.

To access your local EEN advisor please contact your Local Enterprise Office, Enterprise Ireland or Dublin Chamber of Commerce / Cork Chamber of Commerce.