Minister Tony Killeen presents Certificates to Clare County Enterprise Board Training Course Participants

Minister for Labour Affairs Mr. Tony Killeen T.D. presented certificates to participants at the first annual awards ceremony for Clare County Enterprise Board training courses at the Auburn Lodge Hotel Ennis, this evening (Monday 28^th November 2005)

The 35 County and City Enterprise Boards (CEBs), established in 1993, provide support for small businesses with 10 employees or fewer (micro-enterprises). Their function is to develop indigenous enterprise potential and to stimulate economic activity at local level.

Speaking at the first annual awards ceremony the Minister said, "It is a great privilege to be asked to be here with you this evening, on this the first occasion of the annual presentation of your Training Certificates. Clare County Enterprise Board encourages small businesses to avail of their training and mentoring services. Due to its unique relationship with its clients and the local business community, the Board can specifically tailor its programmes to meet the needs and requirements of these small enterprises"

Since their inception in 1993, the Clare Enterprise Board has assisted approximately 4,000 people to avail of enterprise- related training, through a wide variety of enterprise oriented Training programmes and delivers a range of training programmes ranging between `Start Your Own Business' to the fully accredited Management Development Programmes. To date in 2005 650 people have participated in training and over 200 have attended CEB information nights.

"Focused training and mentoring is essential to sustaining and developing a small enterprise, as is grant assistance when setting up or expanding the business. The training and guidance offered by the Enterprise Boards addresses a wide range of developmental needs of small enterprises and their staff. Certificates being awarded here this evening range from Start Your Own Business, through to Food Consultancy, Childcare, Tourism, Web Design, Management Development, to name just a few", the Minister added.

"I am delighted to see your commitment to developing your personal and business skills to the benefit not only of yourselves, but also the local community and ultimately our wider economy. I would like to offer my congratulations and my very best wishes to you all in your future endeavours", the Minister concluded.

Ends

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