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Helping businesses in the West explore new markets

There have been positive figures in recent months for Irish exporting companies, with last month's CSO figures showing a 20% increase in exports in the year to December 2015. Enterprise Ireland had a record year last year with 21,118 new jobs created, a net increase of 10,169 jobs. Almost two thirds of these new positions – 64% - were created outside Dublin with Agri, Technology and Business Process sectors being the key performers. 

Looking to help Irish companies to explore international markets, local authorities in the West and North West are now leading an initiative to help Irish businesses to explore export opportunities in the US.

The project will promote business, tourism and educational connections in the USA, and allow companies in the West & North West of Ireland explore and test new markets in the US through the provision of cost effective show space, enterprise support, networking, investment guidance and collaboration. This cost-effective space consists of a facility based in Providence, Rhode Island which will be stocked with products sourced from Local Enterprise Offices across Ireland West and open to buyers, investors, clients and potential customers. The space will be called Ireland West International Trade Centre.

 This facility would provide the following opportunities:

  1. Showcase facilities for company products & services
  2. Professional meeting environment and conference facilities
  3. Professional address for Irish businesses exploring new markets
  4. Professional support from Rhode Island Commerce Department and Fabiani & Company in sourcing clients, networks, distributors and sales

The partnership consists of representation from Local Authorities in Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim, Roscommon and Galway; Ireland West Airport Knock, Local Enterprise Offices and the Western Development Commission.

The pilot training programme for US market entry commenced this week, with the first training workshop concentrating on US Market overview.

For more information

To register for the training programme please contact your Local Enterprise Office or visit Ireland West Trade Centre's website.