The Local Development Companies Network (LDCN) plays a central role in ensuring that national enterprise supports are accessible, effective, and responsive to local needs. Working with the Department of Social Protection, the Department of Rural and Community Development, Pobal, and local authorities, we monitor delivery, raise emerging issues, and highlight opportunities for innovation.
Enterprise is also a recurring theme in our Social Inclusion Oversight Forum and Rural Development Oversight Forum, where LDC members engage with policymakers, programme leads, and external experts to explore how enterprise can drive inclusive, place-based development. These forums create valuable space for shared learning and policy influence across multiple dimensions of the enterprise ecosystem.
To strengthen frontline delivery, LDCN facilitates two active Communities of Practice: one focused on the Back to Work Enterprise Allowance (BTWEA) and another dedicated to the growing Social Enterprise sector.
These peer networks encourage learning, collaboration, and the exchange of practice insights that shape national approaches. In addition, strategic priorities are regularly reviewed by the LDCN National Council, which brings together CEOs and Chairs from all member organisations to guide and coordinate the work of the network.
Local Development Companies (LDCs) provide practical, tailored support to individuals and groups aiming to start or sustain a business. Their work includes mentoring people receiving social welfare payments who are ready to become self-employed, and supporting social enterprises that generate jobs, deliver vital community services, and reinvest profits locally. LDCs also assist rural communities in developing enterprise hubs, artisan goods, food networks, and agri-tourism initiatives. They help entrepreneurs access funding, create business plans, and navigate compliance and governance requirements. Deeply rooted in their communities, LDCs understand both the challenges and opportunities within the local enterprise landscape. Importantly, they focus on inclusion by working with those who are often further from the labour market, ensuring that enterprise support reaches individuals with ideas but limited resources.
Local Development Companies (LDCs) provide practical, tailored support to individuals and groups aiming to start or sustain a business. Their work includes mentoring people receiving social welfare payments who are ready to become self-employed, and supporting social enterprises that generate jobs, deliver vital community services, and reinvest profits locally. LDCs also assist rural communities in developing enterprise hubs, artisan goods, food networks, and agri-tourism initiatives. They help entrepreneurs access funding, create business plans, and navigate compliance and governance requirements. Deeply rooted in their communities, LDCs understand both the challenges and opportunities within the local enterprise landscape. Importantly, they focus on inclusion by working with those who are often further from the labour market, ensuring that enterprise support reaches individuals with ideas but limited resources.
Enterprise is a key pathway to inclusion, resilience and local renewal. LDCs ensure that enterprise support reaches into every community, and that budding entrepreneurs — no matter their background — have the tools and backing to succeed. Through LDCN, we ensure this learning shapes policy, sustains funding, and grows opportunity from the ground up.