Small businesses in Mayo create record jobs through LEO supports

MAYO has recorded another strong year of small business growth, with 81 new jobs created over the past 12 months through Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Mayo-supported companies.

The figures were revealed by Minister of State for Employment, Small Business and Retail, Alan Dillon, today.

These jobs were created by local entrepreneurs, family businesses and emerging enterprises, said Minister Dillon - each one representing real people with real families who are building their livelihoods in communities across the county.

New figures show that nationally 7,261 new jobs were created last year through LEO financial supports, a seven per cent increase on 2024. This contributed to a nett employment gain of 2,479 jobs nationwide.

LEO Mayo now supports 200 client companies, sustaining 1,388 jobs in total. Minister Dillon said the results reflect the dedication and resilience of the people behind these companies, who continue to start, grow and scale their businesses in Mayo.

For the first time since the establishment of the LEO network in 2014, the number of jobs financially supported by LEOs has exceeded 40,000, with 7,148 small businesses now supporting 40,285 jobs across the country. Importantly, 82% of all new jobs created in 2025 were outside Dublin, demonstrating the strength of regional enterprise.

Minister Dillon made the announcement today at LEO client company The Smooth Company in south Dublin.

The 2025 county breakdown shows a particularly positive year for LEO Mayo, which continues to drive local enterprise growth and job creation across the county. Over the past 12 months they have support 200 client companies, creating a total of 81 new jobs in 2025.

“These results reflect the resilience and ambition of Mayo’s small business community, with strong activity across manufacturing, engineering, energy and environmental services, design, and technology-led enterprises. Mayo businesses also continue to embrace digitalisation, sustainability and productivity supports, positioning the county strongly for future growth,” he said.

Added Minister Dillon: “Mayo’s entrepreneurs continue to deliver jobs, innovation and local opportunity.

“The 81 new jobs created in Mayo this year are the result of the dedication and resilience of the people behind these companies. These are real jobs in real communities, from Castlebar to Ballina, Westport to Belmullet, and they demonstrate the power of targeted local supports. They are small businesses that are starting to grow and scale upwards, creating opportunities for families and strengthening our local economy.”

Minister Dillon highlighted the work of John Magee, head of enterprise, and Joanne Grehan, director of services, noting that their leadership in LEO Mayo 'has ensured that Mayo remains one of the most dynamic and supportive environments in the country for small businesses'.

Located within the 31 local authorities and funded through Enterprise Ireland, the Local Enterprise Offices provide a first-stop shop for small businesses and entrepreneurs. Supports include: Financial assistance, Training and mentoring, Export development, Productivity and competitiveness supports (Lean, Green, Digital), Entrepreneurship initiatives such as Local Enterprise Week, National Women’s Enterprise Day, the Student Enterprise Programme and the National Enterprise Awards.

More information is available at LocalEnterprise.ie.