Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 March 2023
106. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if there are any grants or funding assistance for a small landscaping business (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15807/23]
View answerThe Local Enterprise Offices provide a wide range of high-quality business and management development programmes that are tailored to meet specific business requirements. Whether it is starting a business or growing a business there is something suitable for anyone exploring self-employment as an option or for those who are currently operating a business.
The Mentor Programme, open to both new and existing businesses located within the LEO region, is designed to match up the knowledge, skills, insights and entrepreneurial capability of experienced business practitioners with small business owner/ managers who need practical and strategic one to one advice and guidance. The mentor contributes independent, informed observation and advice to aid decision making. All applications for mentor assistance are dealt with individually and are preceded by a business needs analysis to assess the key needs of the business and determine the most imperative mentoring objectives.
The Local Enterprise Offices offer direct grant aid to microenterprises (10 employees or fewer) in the manufacturing and internationally traded services sectors which, over time, have the potential to develop into strong export entities. However, it should be noted that the Local Enterprise Offices do not provide direct grant-aid to areas such as retail, personal services, local professional services, construction/local building services, as it may give rise to the displacement of existing businesses.
The Local Enterprise Office can assist business owners with applications to any financial institute but in particular to Micro-finance Ireland. Micro-finance Ireland offers support in the form of expansion loans of up to €25,000 to micro-enterprises looking to grow their business. Loans for commercially viable proposals can be used to help fund start-up costs, working capital or business expansion and by applying through their Local Enterprise Office, clients can avail of a 1% reduction in the interest rate charged. This loan package offers no fees, hidden costs and has fixed repayments over a maximum term of 5 years.
The Trading Online Voucher Scheme offers a voucher of up to €2,500 (with 50% co- funding by the applicant) to help businesses develop their online trading capability and includes training sessions that cover various topics, including developing a website, digital marketing, social media for business and search engine optimisation.
I would urge entrepreneurs and businesses to make contact with their Local Enterprise Office for more comprehensive information on which of the extensive suite of supports that may be available to them.
