Four workshops down, one to go here in Ireland. No sign of Swine Flu anywhere!
I continue to be amazed by Enterprise Ireland—Ireland’s Department of Commerce. The support they provide start-ups and high-potential Irish companies is something we can all learn a lot from. EI provides funding, programs, advisors, resources, introductions to key decision makers, market research, competitive intelligence, advice on market entry strategies, partnering and acquisition strategies, and what appears to be endless support. They’ve got offices in 31 countries with support in an additional 39.
During the past two weeks I’ve heard story after story from CEOs about how they’ve been helped by Enterprise Ireland. In fact, they’re subsidizing the program for which I am a facilitator.
Although Ireland is suffering through the same recession as we are in the U.S., Enterprise Ireland continues to invest. That investment in many hundreds of companies run by smart, hardworking, and determined CEOs will continue to leave Ireland in the best possible now and coming out of the recession.
There is no question that all this costs a lot of money. We don’t have the stomach for this degree of federal spending in the U.S. Our needs aren’t the same. Ireland depends on exporting its goods and services. Evidently this country of only 4 million considers the significant ongoing investment in Enterprise Ireland, coming out of the pockets of the Irish people, worthwhile.
Photo credit: This blogger, trying on his Swine Flu mask anticipating the Dublin to Boston flight home on Saturday.
Filed under: On the Road | Tagged: Enterprise Ireland |
Dave Stein's Blog :: Commentary for Sales Leaders and Sales Managers 
Dave,
I could not agree more with this blog. Over the past 4 days I had the opportunity to attend the Ireland Show in Secaucus, NJ. Enterprise Ireland was very helpful in setting up meetings between companys from Ireland and the USA. The end result of their efforts directly effected my business by giving me 7 new clients to work with. Sales have already occured as a result of at least one meeting. When people get out of the office and actually bring people together like EI has the end result is revenue. I am always skeptical when governments get involved but to witness 4 days of business being conducted between retail companys in Ireland and the USA I came away amazed and delighted to have been a part of it. Enterprise Ireland did a wonderful job in NJ!