As the Business Advisor with the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Kilkenny, John Mulcahy is all about helping local entrepreneurs kick-start their dream businesses.
A native of Kilkenny City, he received his education at CBS Kilkenny secondary school and currently resides on the outskirts of the city with his young family.
With over a decade of experience in business development, John possesses a wealth of knowledge in guiding enterprises towards success. His academic background, which includes a Master’s in Business Management from Dublin City University and a Postgraduate Diploma in Change Management from National University of Ireland, Galway, highlights his dedication to professional growth and excellence.
Beyond his professional pursuits, John’s personal interests include music - he plays the guitar, bass and piano - and maintaining his fitness through running. However, his primary focus remains on his role at LEO Kilkenny, where he collaborates with a dedicated team to nurture the growth of many Kilkenny businesses through the huge range of services available. Here is how John can help you…
Congratulations on another successful Local Enterprise Week. What were the highlights?
LEO Kilkenny had a very successful Local Enterprise Week 2024. From Social Media Clinics to a site visit seeing LEAN principles in action, we had a whole schedule of programmes and support during the week.
We also ran a financial clinic for local businesses, a Starting a Business programme for people looking to set up their own business, an export workshop and a Going Green seminar.
To wrap up the week, in conjunction with Network Kilkenny, we supported the International Women’s Day event in Lyrath Estate Hotel. It was an action-packed week and we were delighted to offer support.
Local Enterprise Week showcases the supports on offer from LEO Kilkenny, however these supports are available all year.
What are some of the most common challenges faced by entrepreneurs and small businesses that you encounter?
Entrepreneurs and small businesses face a variety of challenges, many of which can vary depending on the industry, location and specific circumstances. Some of the most common challenges that we would come across are limited resources, market competition, uncertain economic conditions, staffing issues, digitalisation, marketing and branding, scaling operations and cash flow management.
While these challenges can be daunting, many entrepreneurs and small business owners overcome them through innovation, perseverance, and strategic decision-making. Seeking mentorship, networking with other entrepreneurs and staying informed about industry trends can also help mitigate some of these obstacles.
In LEO Kilkenny, we offer supports such as the mentoring programme, networking events and training programmes which can help entrepreneurs with the above challenges.
What advice would you give to someone who is considering starting their own business?
Firstly, I would say to get in contact with LEO Kilkenny to discuss supports. We are the first stop shop for all things small to medium enterprise in Kilkenny. We offer business advice clinics where you can speak with a Business Advisor and talk about your business idea.
We can also signpost you to supports that are available. The supports are available, so please do contact us.
Starting your own business can be an exciting but challenging endeavour. Starting a business requires careful planning, dedication and hard work, but with the right mindset and approach, it can be a rewarding and fulfilling journey.
In your opinion, what are the key factors that contribute to the success of a small business?
The success of a small business depends on various factors, but some key elements contribute significantly to its growth and sustainability. It is crucial for the success of a small business to have a clear vision and goals.
Having a clear vision and well-defined goals provide direction and purpose for the business. It also helps in making strategic decisions, prioritising tasks and aligning efforts toward achieving desired outcomes.
It is also important to have a deep understanding of the target market’s needs, preferences and pain points enables a small business to tailor its offerings effectively. Conducting market research and gathering customer feedback helps in refining products, services and marketing strategies.
By focusing on key factors and continuously striving for excellence, small businesses can increase their chances of achieving growth, profitability and long-term viability in a competitive marketplace. Our Starting a Business programme covers these topics and would certainly assist the planning of the business.
What do you think sets the Local Enterprise Office apart in terms of supporting local businesses compared to other resources?
Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) play a crucial role in supporting local businesses and fostering entrepreneurship at a local level.
Kilkenny County Council, through LEO, has a specific focus on job creation in the city and county as well as sustaining jobs we have across the city and county.
The supports offered through LEO Kilkenny enables the creation of additional jobs in the region and develops sustainable communities. For example, in 2023 LEO Kilkenny created 53 new jobs in the region.
LEO Kilkenny also provides substantial funded supports to small businesses across the county with programmes such as the trading online voucher, Lean for Business and Green for Business along with training and mentoring.
Overall, the unique combination of local focus, accessibility, tailored support services, collaborative partnerships, responsiveness, and commitment to local development sets LEOs apart as valuable resources for supporting local businesses and fostering entrepreneurship in communities across various regions.
How do you and your team at LEO Kilkenny work together to promote economic development and innovation in the region?
Kilkenny City and County has a buzzing entrepreneurial culture and LEO Kilkenny is very aware that successful and thriving businesses are the lifeblood of our economy. In order to support this, we offer a wide range of business support services tailored to the needs of local entrepreneurs and small businesses. These services include mentoring, one-on-one business advice, training workshops, networking events, and access to funding and grants.
LEO Kilkenny collaborates closely with local stakeholders, including government agencies, educational institutions, industry associations and community organisations to leverage resources and expertise for the benefit of local businesses.
By working together, they can address common challenges, identify opportunities for collaboration, and promote economic growth and development in the region.
Could you share a particularly rewarding experience you’ve had while advising a local entrepreneur or small business in Kilkenny?
Honestly, there are too many to mention, it is a very rewarding and humbling experience working with entrepreneurs.
However, a recent rewarding experience involved working with a local entrepreneur who had a promising business idea but faced challenges in bringing it to fruition. Through ongoing mentoring and support, we helped them refine their business plan, identify funding sources and navigate regulatory requirements.
As they implemented their business plan, we provided supports in the areas of marketing strategies, sales techniques, and operational efficiencies. Over time, the business began to gain traction, attracting customers and generating revenue.
Witnessing the positive ripple effects of their success on the local economy, job creation, increased economic activity and community engagement, further reinforced the importance of supporting and nurturing small businesses in Kilkenny.
On a personal basis, this rewarding experience underscored the value of mentorship, collaboration and perseverance in empowering local entrepreneurs to realise their dreams and contribute to the economic growth and vitality of the community.
How does LEO Kilkenny collaborate with other organisations or institutions in the region to support local businesses?
LEO Kilkenny collaborates with various organisations and institutions in the region to support local businesses through a range of initiatives and partnerships. An example of this is the Student Enterprise Programme. LEO Kilkenny recently ran the Student Enterprise Programme county final with over 110 students from local schools.
The Student Enterprise Awards is the flagship enterprise programme at second level with 17,000 students from all areas of the country involved each year. It is a practical programme that offers students the opportunity to take a business from idea stage, through market research to production, selling, record keeping, management and finally writing a comprehensive report on the business.
Participation in the Student Enterprise Awards enables students to acquire and develop a wide range of personal and business attributes and skills.
Looking ahead, what are your goals and aspirations for LEO Kilkenny in the next few years?
Over the coming years, LEO Kilkenny aims to continue to promote entrepreneurship, offer business information, advice, and local enterprise development in the region. In line with the role of Kilkenny County Council, LEO Kilkenny is focused on making Kilkenny City and County the best place to live, work, invest and visit.
We have a range of programmes coming up from Bookkeeping and Taxation to Starting a Business Programme. You can find updates on our programmes on
www.localenterprise.ie/Kilkenny.
If you would like the help of LEO Kilkenny to grow your business, please contact them by email info@leo.kilkennycoco.ie , phone 056-7752662 or drop into Kilkenny County Council in County Hall, John Street, Kilkenny City.
