Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 March 2024
247. Deputy Colm Brophy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he is willing to expand the supports available through the local enterprise offices to social enterprises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10047/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile policy responsibility for Social Enterprises lies with Minister Heather Humphreys and the Department of Rural and Community Development, my Department, through the White Paper on Enterprise 2022-2030, recognises Social Enterprises as an important and growing part of Ireland’s enterprise ecosystem. Social Enterprises contribute to our communities by creating jobs, stimulating local economic activity, supporting social, economic and environmental issues and are recognised as an integral part of Ireland’s broad enterprise policy landscape.
The Deputy will be aware that the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) play an extremely important role providing their services direct to small businesses and promoting entrepreneurship within towns and communities across the country. The LEOs are the first stop shop for anyone looking for general business advice locally.
The LEOs provide direct financial grants to firms operating in the manufacturing and internationally traded services sectors, with up to 50 employees, who have an ambition to export. This direct financial support is available to all enterprises, including social enterprises, provided that such enterprises are capable of attaining commercial viability and subject to certain criteria.
LEOs across the country also offer a range of supports that are primarily focused on developing entrepreneurial capability. These include training, management development, and mentoring supports which are available to any business, including social enterprises.
The LEOs' suite of productivity programmes, which are designed to help businesses to save time, money and energy, are available to all small businesses. These schemes are focussed on enterprises being Lean, Green and Digital. Again, these supports are available to Social Enterprises.
Assistance for digitalisation is also available through the Trading Online Voucher Scheme, which offers a voucher of up to €2,500 to assist enterprises in developing their online trading presences. Furthermore, the Energy Efficiency Grant is also open to Social Enterprises and provides up to €5,000 towards the implementation of an energy efficiency project identified through a Green for Business, Green Start or SEAI consultancy.
