Over 120 net new jobs were created by Waterford companies backed by Local Enterprise Office in 2017.
The latest Waterford figures also showed that almost 1000 people took part in LEO-run training programmes last year and 230 entrepreneurs and business owners availed of mentoring support.
A further 31 business projects received direct financial assistance from LEO Waterford, such as business priming, micro exporters’ grants and expansion grants.
Head of Enterprise at the Waterford LEO Richie Walsh says it demonstrates Waterford's entrepreneurial spirit. "We are delighted to assist with the continuing trend of job creation and business growth here in Waterford. We helped more than 2,000 people last year alone through training and mentoring and provided microfinance loans and direct financial assistance to the tune of €559,000. It is our goal to assist even more business people and their businesses in Waterford during 2018 and we would encourage all would be entrepreneurs and existing businesses to come and have a chat with any of our team to see how we can be of help so we can all continue to drive business even further in Waterford."
Minister Heather Humphreys said: "Local Enterprise Offices helped many thousands of people last year to start-up or grow their own businesses by delivering a suite of financial, training and information supports across every county and region, resulting in the creation of 7,135 jobs right across the country. This Government has a clear focus on regional jobs and investment, and the LEOs play a crucial role in this effort, particularly through the Regional Actions Plans for Jobs. I am delighted that the job results for 2017 are so strong, and look forward to further collaboration with the LEOs in 2018."
