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Kildare County Council Hosts Dare to Lead: Inspiring Entrepreneurs with Visionary Leadership Insights

On December 10th, 2024, Kildare County Council’s Local Enterprise Office (LEO) celebrated its 10th anniversary with a milestone event titled Dare to Lead, held at The Osprey Hotel in Naas. The event brought together entrepreneurs from across Kildare, alongside key stakeholders, to reflect on the past decade of entrepreneurship in the region, share visionary leadership insights, and foster new connections.

The event featured an inspiring keynote address from Leo Clancy, CEO of Enterprise Ireland, who commended the significant impact of LEO Kildare on the local economy. Since 2017, LEO Kildare has supported the creation of 2,107 new jobs and, in 2018, Kildare was recognised as having the highest net job creation increase in the country, with 285 jobs created—a 30% rise since 2017.

Key figures from the event highlighted LEO Kildare’s extraordinary contribution to local business development:

• €13.8 million in direct financial assistance for 2,438 business projects since 2014
• 4,188 mentoring sessions completed, benefiting over 5,700 participants.
• 1,287 training courses, aimed at helping 22,562 entrepreneurs develop their businesses.
• LEO Kildare has led several successful national initiatives, including the introduction of TOVS (Trading Online Vouchers), LEAN and Green programs and its K Hub network strategy has become a model in the National Hub Policy Document.

Speaking at the event, Jacqui McNabb, Head of Economic Development & Enterprise Kildare County Council said “Tonight marks the celebration of ten years of service to our dynamic entrepreneurial community. We look back on how the Local Enterprise Office has empowered entrepreneurs to transform their visions into successful businesses, driving economic prosperity across Kildare. We remain committed to supporting innovation, small businesses, and sustainable growth in the years ahead.”

Sonya Kavanagh, Chief Executive, Kildare County Council, also expressed her pride in the achievements of LEO Kildare: “The Local Enterprise Office has been a driving force behind Kildare’s local economy, helping entrepreneurs thrive and businesses grow. Their dedication to providing tailored support has had a significant impact on the success of small businesses in Kildare. I look forward to the continued success and collaboration between the Local Enterprise Office and our local business community.”

Delivering the event's closing keynote, renowned leadership coach Blaise Brosnan focused on essential leadership principles that drive growth and resilience in today’s fast-evolving market and stated “In today’s business environment, the ability to pivot is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity for survival and success.”

The event concluded with an evening of networking, providing entrepreneurs, mentors, and industry leaders with the opportunity to connect, collaborate, and share ideas.

Since its establishment in 2014, the Local Enterprise Office Kildare has served as the first stop for anyone looking to start or grow a business in the region. Over the years, LEO Kildare has played a central role in Kildare's economic development, facilitating job creation, supporting local businesses, and fostering innovation.

As LEO Kildare reflects on its 10 years of service, it remains deeply committed to empowering entrepreneurs, driving economic growth, and supporting innovation across the region. The Dare to Lead event was a powerful reminder of the transformative impact the Local Enterprise Office has had on Kildare’s business landscape and a promise to continue nurturing the region's entrepreneurial spirit for the next decade.