LOCAL ENTERPRISE OFFICE LOUTH NOW SUPPORTING OVER 209 SMALL BUSINESSES AND 1,000 JOBS ACCORDING TO NEW FIGURES
219 new jobs created in 2025
- 61% job increase from 2024
- Net employment gain of 74 in 2025
- 209 total small businesses employing 1,000 people supported by LEO Louth.
Minister of State for Employment, Small Business and Retail, Alan Dillon, T.D., has announced the annual results of the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) for 2025. The annual results showed that LEO Louth supported companies created 219 new jobs in 2025, representing a 61% increase on 2024 and a net employment gain of 74 in 2025. The net employment gain takes into account companies that amalgamated, ceased trading and those that transferred on to Enterprise Ireland.
Nationally LEOs are now financially supporting 40,285 jobs across 7,148 companies. This is the most jobs the LEOs have supported nationally since their inception in 2014. Locally, LEO Louth financially supported 209 small businesses across the county supporting 1,000 jobs.
Cllr Seán Kelly, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council said: “The increase in job creation locally is hugely positive for Louth and a testament to the strength and resilience of our small business community. Every new job created supports a family, strengthens a community, and contributes to a more vibrant and sustainable local economy. I also want to acknowledge Nikki Campbell and the dedicated team in LEO Louth whose ongoing commitment and expertise make these achievements possible.”
Nationally, there were 7,261 new jobs created by LEO clients’ companies in 2025 with a net jobs creation figure of 2,479. This was up 7% nationally on 2024. From the jobs created, 82% were outside of the Dublin region. The LEOs also provide substantial funded supports to thousands of small businesses across the country with programmes such as the Grow Digital Voucher, Lean for Business, and Green for Business along with training and mentoring.
Minister Alan Dillon T.D., said; “The 31 Local Enterprise Offices continue to be the backbone of local economic development, supporting 40,285 jobs in 2025, the highest level since their establishment. Last year alone, LEO client companies created 7,261 new jobs, delivering a 7% increase on 2024 and marking the 12th consecutive year of jobs growth.
Crucially, 82% of these new jobs were created outside Dublin, demonstrating the impact of targeted local supports in every region. From digitalisation to sustainability and export development, our LEOs are helping small businesses compete and scale. Government remains firmly committed to strengthening these supports so that entrepreneurs nationwide can continue to grow and thrive.”
The LEOs were to the fore in supporting small businesses across the country become more sustainable and competitive in 2025, helping thousands to secure funding, upskill, and avail of supports. Recent supports such as the Grow Digital Voucher enables small businesses to take their first steps in digitalisation and the Market Explorer Grant supports companies in looking at new markets.
David Conway, Chief Executive of Louth County Council said: “Creating sustainable jobs is central to our mission of making Louth a great place to live, work and play. These results demonstrate the impact of long‑term investment in local enterprise, and the strength of the entrepreneurs who are driving growth across our county. Louth has its own unique opportunities, and that’s why targeted supports from the Local Enterprise Office are vital in helping local businesses to grow and to deliver these results. I would like to thank the Local Enterprise Office for their work, commitment and I encourage anyone that has a business that needs help or support to please contact them.”
Nikki Campbell, Head of Enterprise, Louth LEO, said; “These figures highlight the significant impact that the Local Enterprise Offices and their clients are making in driving economic growth across the country. The creation of over 219 jobs created is only a small part of the role that Louth LEO play in fostering entrepreneurship and growing enterprise in Louth.
“These jobs and client figures only reflect those who have received financial funding from their LEO and do not capture the thousands more that receive the likes of Lean, Green and Digital supports or training and mentoring. The numbers today are immensely positive and reflect the resilience of the small business sector and we look forward to growing our work with these businesses in 2026 and to help those who have a great idea to get started.”
Anne Lanigan, Head of Local Enterprise and Regions, Enterprise Ireland, said; “These strong employment results reflect the impact of the Local Enterprise Office network and the ambition of the small businesses it supports across the country. The continued growth in jobs, with 82% of the new jobs created last year outside Dublin, shows that entrepreneurs can start, grow and scale their businesses from anywhere in Ireland. Enterprise Ireland will continue to work closely with the Local Enterprise Offices in areas such as competitiveness, sustainability and digitalisation, supporting businesses to strengthen capability and create jobs in 2026 and beyond.”
The LEO Louth is funded through Enterprise Ireland and supports small local businesses and entrepreneurs in the county. Since its establishment in 2014 it has been a first stop shop for entrepreneurs and small businesses providing a range of supports including financial, mentoring, training, and sector specific expertise to help guide businesses at any stage of their development.
For more information on LEO Louth visit www.LocalEnterprise.ie/Louth or email info@leo.louthcoco.ie.
