"It’s more important than ever to look for local and support the small businesses in your community. Whether you’re thinking of buying a gift, new clothes, a service of some sort – whatever it is, your local business would be delighted with your custom.

"It’s wonderful to see so many small businesses reopen recently, after what has been an exceptionally difficult period and as our vaccine programme ramps up further, we hope to see many more open their doors.

"Thank you to our Local Enterprise Offices for all they have done to help companies over the last 16 months. No matter what challenge your business is facing, your nearest LEO is on hand with advice and financial support.

"We’re hoping for a really busy summer for our small businesses across the country. Over one million people are employed by a small business in Ireland more than the public sector and multi-nationals combined. I encourage everyone to support these jobs and look for local in their own community."

"Since the onset of COVID-19, the Local Enterprise Offices have been working closely with small businesses across the country to help sustain them with financial supports, training, mentoring and consultancy for all areas of their business. Now it’s our turn as consumers to Look for Local with the economy reopening.

"Every Euro you spend with a local business is an investment in the community around it and the quality of goods, services and experiences on our doorstep is second to none. Not only that but it makes a positive environmental, economic and societal impact. This Summer we are asking everyone to Look for Local and support businesses and jobs in their community."

"The “Look for Local” campaign aims to place small Irish businesses in the spotlight, asking people to support businesses in their region. Over the last 15 months, many Enterprise Ireland companies have adjusted and pivoted to ensure that local services remain in business. This resilience is particularly evident in the regions and within local communities and Enterprise Ireland is committed to supporting these businesses. Recently we announced €5m in grants to the retail sector through a third call of the Covid-19 Online Retail Scheme. The last funding round saw more than two thirds of grants going to companies outside Dublin.

"It is an important measure as the country continues to reopen and provide a safe and secure shopping environment for customers, both in store and online. Despite the pandemic, the resilience shown by local businesses is a clear indicator that innovative and entrepreneurial activity will continue to drive our country forward. Now more than ever these businesses deserve our support and I would encourage both businesses and consumers alike to Look for Local when shopping around for products and services this summer."

"Local authorities are providing a range of supports for businesses to help them get back on their feet but the support of the public is crucial for those businesses and for our local economies. Small businesses and retailers are the lifeblood of our cities, towns and villages, providing vital economic activity and employment opportunities. Local enterprise has so much to offer from top quality products to unique experiences, and the coming months are a great opportunity to take advantage, so please ‘Look for Local’, if you can."

The campaign will run for across the Summer on media and profiling will continue until the end of the year to help spotlight local businesses across the country and encourage people to Look for Local. For more information on the campaign go to www.LocalEnterprise.ie/LookforLocal and agencies, businesses and consumers will also be encouraged to use #LookforLocal on social media to help support the campaign.

*ISME Shop Local Report 2020