Local economies are very much dependent on the extent and vibrancy of their enterprise culture. From a time when entrepreneurship in Ireland did not receive its due recognition, we now have an environment where risk taking is highly regarded and those with the ability to create wealth are recognised as local heroes.
The West Cork Enterprise Board has been in existence since 1993 and during this time our local economy has prospered and changed beyond recognition. Our local entrepreneurs have achieved unprecedented success and I take great pride in recognising the central role that the Enterprise Board has played in this process.
We are in a time of rapid change in the business environment and the needs of local small businesses are constantly changing. The services offered by the West Cork Enterprise Board, driven by the objective of bringing innovative training and development into West Cork that previously was not available, have evolved accordingly. One of our major strengths is our adaptability and our capacity to respond to the needs of modern small business and this is reflected in the numbers availing of our services.
Our new Strategic Plan: Driving Entrepreneurship and Innovation in West Cork, sets out our strategic objectives and how we will deliver on these to 2013. The strategy has been carefully constructed in conjunction with our stakeholders and is designed to ensure that we maximise opportunity and benefit for our customers.
West Cork has become an ideal location to start or grow a business. Quality of life and environment are unmatched and we now have in place a comprehensive support system to ensure that small business can flourish. We look forward to co-operating with all of the agencies and bodies at both local and national level in delivering on this Strategic Plan.
Theresa White,
Chairperson.