Local Enterprise Office Louth is now supporting over 209 small businesses and 1,000 jobs across the county, according to new figures released for 2025.
The figures show a strong year for job creation and employment growth among businesses supported by LEO Louth.
219 new jobs created in 2025
61% increase on 2024
Net employment gain of 74 in 2025
209 small businesses supported, employing 1,000 people across County Louth
Minister of State for Employment, Small Business and Retail, Alan Dillon T.D., announced the annual results of the Local Enterprise Offices for 2025. The results show that companies supported by LEO Louth created 219 new jobs during the year, representing a 61% increase on 2024 and a net employment gain of 74. The net employment figure takes into account companies that amalgamated, ceased trading or transferred on to Enterprise Ireland.
Nationally, Local Enterprise Offices are now financially supporting 40,285 jobs across 7,148 companies. This represents the highest level of employment supported by the LEO network since its establishment in 2014. At local level, LEO Louth financially supported 209 small businesses across the county, accounting for 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.”
Across the country, LEO client companies created 7,261 new jobs in 2025, with a net jobs creation figure of 2,479. This marked a 7% increase nationally on 2024. Of the new jobs created, 82% were located outside the Dublin region. Local Enterprise Offices also provide a wide range of funded supports to small businesses nationwide, including programmes such as the Grow Digital Voucher, Lean for Business and Green for Business, along with training and mentoring supports.
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.”
During 2025, the Local Enterprise Offices played a key role in supporting small businesses to become more sustainable and competitive, helping thousands of companies to secure funding, upskill and access targeted supports. Initiatives such as the Grow Digital Voucher enabled small businesses to take their first steps towards digitalisation, while the Market Explorer Grant supported companies in exploring 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 and commitment, and I encourage anyone who has a business that needs help or support to please contact them.”
Nikki Campbell, Head of Enterprise with LEO Louth, 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 with 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.”
LEO Louth is funded through Enterprise Ireland and supports small local businesses and entrepreneurs across the county. Since its establishment in 2014, it has operated as a first stop shop for entrepreneurs and small businesses, providing a range of supports including financial assistance, mentoring, training and sector specific expertise to help guide businesses at every stage of development.
For more information on LEO Louth, visit www.localenterprise.ie/louth or email info@leo.louthcoco.ie.
