Support stepped up in Leitrim for local businesses under pressure
The Local Enterprise Office in Leitrim is offering Lean, Green and Digital supports tailored specifically to the needs of small businesses
For many small business owners across Leitrim, the past year has been about keeping their heads above water. Rising running costs, long working hours and constant change have become part of everyday life, whether it’s a café on the main street, a tradesperson travelling the county or a small service business working quietly behind the scenes.
Talk to business owners in Carrick-on-Shannon, Manorhamilton, Mohill or the wider rural areas and a common theme emerges — there’s little breathing space. Many are spending their days dealing with immediate issues, with little time to step back and look at how the business might be made easier to run.
The team in the Local Enterprise Office in Leitrim say they are seeing these pressures first-hand. According to staff working directly with local businesses, the conversation has shifted from growth and expansion to sustainability — how to reduce costs, save time and keep going. That reality has shaped the focus of a support initiative known as All In A Day’s Work, which offers Lean, Green and Digital supports tailored specifically to the needs of small businesses.
The idea behind the programme is simple: help business owners make practical improvements without expecting them to drop tools or close the door for weeks at a time. Lean supports look at how a business actually operates day to day — identifying small changes that can cut wasted time or effort. Green supports help owners understand where energy costs might be reduced, something that has become increasingly important as bills continue to rise. Digital supports focus on using technology in a way that actually makes life easier, rather than more complicated.
Joe Lowe, Head of Enterprise, says the emphasis is very much on realism “Most small business owners in Leitrim are flat out. They don’t need more paperwork or pressure,” he said.
“What they’re looking for is practical help — small changes that save time, reduce costs and make the business easier to manage.” He added that the team works closely with small business owners to understand the reality of trading in a rural county, where time, staffing and transport can all be additional challenges," Mr Lowe added.
For businesses feeling the pressure, sometimes a day spent improving how things work can change far more than expected. For more information visit www.LocalEnterprise.ie/Leitrim or contact the LEO Leitrim Team on (071) 9650420.