PLATO was established in Ireland almost 30 years ago as an initiative of the Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment via the City and County Enterprise Boards now the Local Enterprise Offices, IBEC and Chambers Ireland. To date, some 15,000 business owners have participated in the network making PLATO Ireland’s premier business development and support network for owner-managed businesses and self-employed. The network is open to all sectors and relevant to all growth stages. Plato offers a confidential and safe environment to SMEs, providing facilitated group learning, training activities, trade fairs and networking events. It offers practical training, business counselling and support, including the necessary skills to help businesses grow and prosper. Plato provides an environment for owner managers to learn through peer learning and share their experiences, as well as valuable access to large company expertise and knowledge.