SMALL businesses from counties Tyrone, Fermanagh, Leitrim and Sligo are being offered the chance to 'Get Business' at a cross-border Meet the Buyer and Networking event being held in the Killyhevlin Hotel, Enniskillen, on Wednesday, September 19.

Organised by Leitrim and Sligo County Enterprise Boards to increase networking opportunities for small businesses on both sides of the border, Get Business offers companies the chance to not only meet and share information with more than 40 other small companies but also have one-to-one meetings with buyers from large private and public sector organisations on both sides of the border. At least 12 buyer companies will be in attendance including Sligo Institute of Technology, Omagh District Council, Water Service NI, Terex Finlay, Moy Park and the Central Procurement Directorate.

As Joe Lowe, CEO of Leitrim County Enterprise Board points out, however, Get Business is not a typical Meet the Buyer Event

"Get Business is part of the Business Transition Programme, a joint initiative between Sligo and Leitrim County Enterprise Boards funded by Border Action and part-financed by the Irish government. The programme aims to develop small businesses in Fermanagh, Leitrim, Sligo and Tyrone to a level where they will secure new markets, consolidate existing jobs and expand, through developing cross-border trade and partnerships.

"In addition to the one-to-one meetings with buyers there will also be a speed meet session, a fun way for companies to meet each other and explore the possibility of developing trade and partnerships.

"In the afternoon, companies can then learn about tendering for public and private sector contracts at a Successful Tendering Seminar."

Get Business commences at 10am with a presentation from Gareth Grey of Tickety-Moo Ice Cream and Winner of Shell Livewire Young Entrepreneur of the Year. Demand for Get Business is expected to be high.

To avoid disappointment book your place today, contact 048 7692 8113 or email info@workspace.org.uk