Established businesses and budding entrepreneurs will have an opportunity to network and discover the assistance available to them during Kerry Month of Enterprise (KMOE) this March.

Now in its ninth year, KMOE is a collaborative inter-agency initiative, which aims to shine a spotlight on just some of the enterprise activities on offer all year round across Kerry and remind businesses of the wide range of supports available to them, especially at this challenging time.

The month is designed and delivered by a partnership including Munster Technological University, Kerry County Council, Kerry Local Enterprise Office, Enterprise Ireland, North, East & West Kerry Development; South Kerry Partnership Development, IDA, Udarás na Gaeltachta, IRD Duhallow and various companies and organisations throughout the county.

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted just how important it is for business owners to access the supports available to them within their own region.

The calendar of events for 2022, which can be viewed at www.kmoe.ie, includes over 80 events across the month. The countywide events cater for businesses at various stages of development across many sectors from start-ups to established and growing businesses. All events must be booked in advance.

“Kerry is a county with entrepreneurship in its DNA and never has it been more important to support our business community," Minister for Education Norma Foley TD, said.

"Kerry Month of Enterprise has grown year after year, from a small calendar of about 20 events in 2013 to over 80 events this year. Kerry Month of Enterprise celebrates excellence in enterprise and shines a light on the activities that are ongoing throughout the year and the value that the partners involved bring to our county. Congratulations to all involved.”

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Highlights of the calendar of events for Kerry Month of Enterprise include a series of virtual 'Start Your Own Business' focused workshops hosted by the Kerry Local Enterprise Office, focused on branding, food business and sales and marketing, among others. Udarás na Gaeltachta will host sessions on how to boost online presence in a post-pandemic world and managing remote workers and SKDP, IRD Duhallow and NEWKD will host a number of events focused on supports including a Governance for Social Enterprises and Accounting for New Small Businesses. Munster Technological University will once again play host to the Kerry Start-up Challenge, New Frontiers Showcase, and a host of other events aimed at developing entrepreneurial mindset and enterprise creation.

"A great deal of time and effort has gone into arranging a wide range of events over the coming weeks with the diversity of the business sector in Kerry to the fore," the Leas-Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Michael Cahill, said. "I want to thank the many agencies involved for bringing together an exciting and engaging programme."

Kerry County Council Chief Executive Moira Murrell encouraged participation in the wide range of events.

“The Kerry Month of Enterprise is a great opportunity, particularly at this challenging time, for businesses to engage with each other and the supports on offer from a wide range of agencies and I encourage anyone in business to take part.”

Bríd McElligott, Vice President Research, Development & External Engagement at Munster Technological University added that “the COVID-19 pandemic has reinforced the need for supports for all industry sectors within the Kerry region".

"Kerry Month of Enterprise offers a comprehensive spotlight during the month of March highlighting the various supports and initiatives that are available throughout the year. As we prepare for a post-COVID business environment, we want to showcase the supports that are available to ensure that Kerry’s economic recovery is maximised in as short a timeframe as possible.”

A full schedule of events is available at www.kmoe.ie.