The impact of the downturn on the Irish economy has resulted in a significant rise in the number of small business operators seeking professional support and advice.

Clare, UK -- (SBWire) -- 01/20/2010 -- The County Limerick Enterprise Board (LCOEB) says an estimated 1250 people attended small business training courses throughout County Limerick during 2009, up 55 per cent on the number of participants in 2008. 160 Dell employees also attended an in-house training course, organised by the Enterprise Board.

Over 20 Limerick County businesses were supported through grant aid in 2009, representing a 270,000 euro investment in small business in the county. The LCOEB also co-funded and supported the development of five Enterprise Centres in Croom, Dromcollogher, Broadford, Ballylanders and Kilmallock.

Limerick County Enterprise Board CEO Ned Toomey says the increase in demand among new and established business owners for professional business support and advice is an encouraging sign for the Irish economy.

He explained: “In the current difficult economic climate, it is important to promote the advice and support available to assist those wishing to establish or develop a business. We have seen that a downturn in the economy can often lead to a sharp rise in entrepreneurial activity.”

He continued: “The Enterprise Board will host a series of training courses and workshops over the coming months to promote entrepreneurship as an opportunity to all sectors, levels and people in County Limerick. These events are aimed at assisting and facilitating new and established small and micro businesses, from the person that works on their own through to those that employ up to ten people.”

The upcoming business and networking events will feature expert advice on issues including Starting A Business, Sales and Marketing For Beginners, Taxation for Self-Employed, Developing an Internet Business, Time Management In A Small Business, Credit Control and Financial Management for the Owner Manager.

The series will commence on Tuesday 9th February 2010 in Deebert House Hotel, Kilmallock, when one of Ireland’s leading sales trainers, Robert Mc Kernan of Mc Kernan Training solutions, will offer advice on developing a sales strategy for 2010, as well as delivering a separate presentation for Food companies and related businesses on selling to large multiples.

Mc Kernan has spent over 25 years working in the Irish FMCG food industry and is the founder of Activsales, which works with teams with sales in excess of 500 million euro a year in Ireland, estimated to rise to 1 Billion euro by the end of 2010. He also works with Enterprise Ireland and Board Bia on food-related training programmes.

Limerick County Enterprise Board will host business and networking events during February, March and April. Event details are available from htttp://www.lcoeb.ie

Notes To Editor:
- Interviewees are available on request. To arrange please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on 086-8534900 or media@dunphypr.com
- A high-resolution image of Robert Mc Kernan may be downloaded from www.dunphyprimages.com

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