By Business & Finance 
Pictured (L-R): Tom Hayes, Enterprise Ireland; Conor Healy, Cork Chamber of Commerce; Gina Quin, Dublin Chamber of Commerce; Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton TD; and Oisin Geoghegan, Local Enterprise Offices
The Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) has announced a new partnership with 31 Local Enterprise Offices in Ireland, which will allow free access to global markets for Irish companies.
The EEN is a joint partnership between Enterprise Ireland, Local Enterprise Offices, Dublin Chamber of Commerce and Cork Chamber of Commerce and offers fast-track international growth by providing practical advice, targeted market intelligence and personalised support to companies across the EU.
Launched in January, the network is co-financed under COSME, the EU funding programme for the competitiveness of enterprises and SMEs.
Tom Hayes, divisional manager at 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.”
