Mayo businesses to meet with Government Ministers in Westport

Local businesses will have a rare opportunity to engage directly with two government ministers tomorrow (Thursday) at a series of events designed to strengthen connections between small enterprises and state support systems.

Westport TD, Keira Keogh is hosting two separate sessions featuring Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Peter Burke and Minister of State for Public Procurement, Digitalisation and eGovernment Emer Higgins, in the Leeson Enterprise Centre on Altamont Street.

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The afternoon session, beginning at 3.30pm, will focus on public procurement opportunities for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), microenterprises, and suppliers across the region. Minister Higgins will outline recent developments in government procurement processes and hear directly from business owners about their experiences accessing public contracts.

The evening roundtable with Minister Burke, scheduled for 6:30 pm, will address broader enterprise support measures. Burke, who recently established a new Small Business Unit and National Enterprise Hub, will discuss government efforts to reduce bureaucracy and streamline grant applications for SMEs.

Topics expected to include energy savings programs, market access opportunities, and strategies for managing staffing and operational costs.

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Between the two sessions, attendees will be invited to enjoy canapés prepared by local establishment The Helm, providing an informal networking opportunity from 5:00 pm.

Both events are structured as interactive discussions rather than formal presentations, encouraging participants to share concerns, ask questions, and contribute ideas for improving government support for small businesses.

The events represent a significant opportunity for Mayo businesses to influence policy discussions at the highest levels of government while accessing practical information about available support programs.

Registration is essential and can be done by form.