One Hour Business Advice Slot - Avail of Free Business Advice.

Phone or Video Advisory session on Starting / Developing your business.

• Typically aimed at New Starts Ups or those with a Business idea or those new to running a Business or the Local Enterprise Office.
• Free 1 Hour Introductory session about your idea / business & possible supports for you
• Provided by Phone/ Video with a Business Adviser. Face to Face meetings may happen in due course.
• Our business advisers are very experienced, and can provide you general business advice whether you are an entrepreneur with a business idea, a new start-up or a growing established business. 
• They can provide you with information & the supports & the steps that are necessary for your Business Goals.
• Please note that for very specific legal, taxation or accounting queries we would refer you on to your Accountant or www.revenue.ie
• Due to demand for places we are only able to provide three slots per business person per annum and would suggest that you seek other training supports after that to cater for your specific needs.

• Please be advised that the use of AI systems during these sessions must be discussed with your mentor in advance with consent clearly obtained in advance by the party being recorded.

• 9.15am
• 11.45am
• 1.30pm
• 2.45pm

• 9.15am
• 11.45am
• 1.30pm
• 2.45pm

• 9.15am
• 10.30am
• 11.45am
• 1.30pm
• 2.45pm

• 9.15am
• 10.30am
• 11.45am
• 1.30pm
• 2.45pm

• 9.15am
• 10.30am
• 11.45am
• 1.30pm
• 2.45pm

• Please be advised that the use of AI systems during these sessions must be discussed with your mentor in advance with consent clearly obtained in advance by the party being recorded.

Once you make your online application:

• Our business adviser will contact you in advance of your confirmed appointment date and time, by email.
• Our business adviser will confirm with you which type of remote contact he/she will make with you for the appointment, for example: telephone, WhatsApp, Skype, Teams or Zoom.
• GDPR Policy - AI Recordings
• Please be advised that the use of AI systems during these sessions must be discussed with your mentor in advance with consent clearly obtained in advance by the party being recorded.

Please also consider our other supports :

• We provide free remote general business advice clinic appointments weekly with our team of business advisers, using a range of remote tools including: Telephone, WhatsApp, Skype, Teams and Zoom.
• Our business advisers can provide you with general business advice whether you are an entrepreneur with a business idea, a new start-up or a growing and established small business, based within the LEO Cork North & West catchment area.
• Please note that if your business is based outside the catchment area of the LEO Cork North & West, we will not be able to provide you with an appointment and you will be asked to liaise with your own Local Enterprise Office.
• Our catchment area for Cork North & West includes: Bandon, Bantry, Castletownbere, Charleville, Clonakilty, Dunmanway, Fermoy, Inishannon, Kanturk, Kinsale, Mallow, Mitchelstown, Newmarket, Rosscarbery, Skibbereen, The Beara Peninsula.
• Our business advisers can provide you with information & the supports & the steps that are necessary for your business goals.
• Please note that for very specific legal, taxation or accounting queries we would refer you on to your Accountant or www.revenue.ie
• At any one time we only publish dates for the current month on our online application system.
• Due to demand for places, we have a limit of three one hour time slots, per business, per annum for the appointments.

• Please be advised that the use of AI systems during these sessions must be discussed with your mentor in advance with consent clearly obtained in advance by the party being recorded.

Once you make your online application:

• Our business adviser will contact you in advance of your confirmed appointment date and time, by email.
• Our business adviser will confirm with you which type of remote contact he/she will make with you for the appointment, for example: telephone, WhatsApp, Skype, Teams or Zoom.
• GDPR Policy - AI Recordings
• Please be advised that the use of AI systems during these sessions must be discussed with your mentor in advance with consent clearly obtained in advance by the party being recorded.

Please also consider our other supports :

• Step 1:Test Your Business Idea. Our Start Your Own Business programme provides you with an opportunity to assess the potential of your business idea. Have I got the right business skills? Think about who will buy your product or service. What is the benefit to them and how much will they pay?

• Step 2: What About Market Research? From the outset market research is essential in helping you to identify your target market and customers. It will also help you to identify your competitors and how to compete effectively. Research is also effective in assessing demand for a new product or service

• Step 3: What are Your Business Requirements? Have you considered the best location for the business? Identify your basic equipment requirements and costs. How many staff will you need to employ? Identify your overhead costs e.g. insurance. Can your business idea benefit from new technologies? e.g. by online selling.

• Step 4: What are your Investment Requirements? Identify all start-up and running costs associated with the business. Identify ways of financing your business venture. Seek financial support and benefit from direct referral to Government agencies. Seek advice on other sources of support e.g. Banks, Credit Unions, Microfinance Ireland, family support, other non-bank finance.

• Step 5: Developing your Marketing Strategy. Marketing your business idea is a fundamental aspect of starting up. Research the most cost effective methods of marketing your business. Write you Marketing Plan

• Step 6: Developing your Sales Plan. How will you promote your product or service? Who and where is your target market (local, national, international)? What channels of distribution will be used? Determine your selling price and break-even point.

• Step 7: What is the best legal structure for you?

• Step 8: Managing the risks. Starting a business is a big step to take. A new business can be exciting. However, it can also be risky. For some it means risking personal savings and secure employment.

• Step 9: Avoiding Unnecessary Risks. Register your business name with the Companies Registration Office (CRO). Visit www.cro.ie Be aware of your tax obligations and register with your local revenue office. Visit www.revenue.ie Be aware of other statutory obligations such as trading licenses, planning permission, insurance, health & safety, patents, etc. Be aware of your responsibilities under employment rights legislation.

• Step 10: And Finally......Write your Business Plan. Business Planning is fundamental to success in business - managing the company, generating sales and growing jobs. It is the key to getting things done and making things happen. The finished business plan can be used as an operating tool that will help you to make important decisions and manage your business effectively.