Bernard Durkan
Question:222. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the incentives currently available for small start-up enterprises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31954/23]
View answerThursday, 29 June 2023
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The Local Enterprise Offices are a ‘first-stop-shop’ for providing advice and guidance, financial assistance and other supports to those wishing to start or grow their own business and act as a ‘signposting’ service for all government supports available to the SME sector and can provide information/referrals to other relevant bodies under agreed protocols e.g. Revenue, Micro Finance Ireland, Fáilte Ireland, LEADER, and Enterprise Ireland.
The LEOs offer direct grant assistance to small businesses operating in the manufacturing and internationally traded services sector. Subject to certain eligibility criteria, the LEOs can provide financial assistance within four main categories; Feasibility Grants to help with the cost of researching a proposed business idea to determine if it could be viable and sustainable. Priming Grants for businesses trading less than 18 months to help with the associated costs of start-up. Business Expansion Grants, designed to assist businesses in their growth phase and Technical Assistance for Micro Exporters (TAME) which assists small businesses to explore and develop new export market opportunities, including contributing to the costs of attendance at trade shows overseas.
The Local Enterprise Offices provide a wide range of high-quality business and management development programmes, and a suite of productivity and competitiveness supports that are tailored to meet specific business requirements. Whether it is a new start up or growing an existing business there is something suitable for anyone exploring self-employment as an option or for those who are currently operating a business.
I would particularly recommend that any new business owner enquire about the Start Your Own Business (SYOB) Programme, which assists participants in assessing their business idea, its viability and then making an informed decision on whether to proceed or take a step back. The programme is designed to guide participants through the various aspects of business and business planning with no prior business knowledge necessary.
I would also suggest availing of the LEO Mentor Programme, where business owners can seek the advice of an experienced mentor to help identify solutions to areas of exposure within their business. With advice and guidance from their mentor, clients can develop strategies that are more robust, which address issues and maximise potential opportunities.