Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 October 2023
108. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the incentives currently available for small and start-up enterprises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44580/23]
View answerThe Local Enterprise Offices act as a ‘First Stop Shop’ for providing advice and guidance, financial assistance, and offer a ‘signposting’ service for all government supports available to business owners throughout the country. The Local Enterprise Offices offer an extensive suite of supports to businesses and entrepreneurs. These include direct financial grants as well as training and mentoring and Start Your Own Business courses.
The Local Enterprise Offices are committed to providing a supportive ecosystem for entrepreneurship and start-ups and provide a wide range of high-quality business and management development programmes that are tailored to offer entrepreneurs expert advice.
The Local Enterprise Offices also offer a suite of supports to assist businesses on their twin transitions of decarbonisation and digitalisation, through Green, Lean and Digital programmes. The Local Enterprise Offices have recently launched a new national campaign - 'All in a Days Work', which highlights the benefits of being more lean, digital and green - saving time, money and energy.
From the perspective of Enterprise Ireland, efforts to support small and start-up indigenous enterprises in encompass several key areas:
• Funding and Financial Support: Enterprise Ireland provides financial support to indigenous companies through a range of grants, investment programs, and funding initiatives.
• Business Development and Mentorship: Enterprise Ireland offers extensive business development programs, mentorship, and advisory services to assist indigenous companies in enhancing their competitiveness, driving growth, and creating jobs.
• Innovation and Research & Development (R&D): Enterprise Ireland places a strong emphasis on fostering innovation within the indigenous sector, providing funding and support for research and development activities.
• International Market Access: Enterprise Ireland assists indigenous companies in accessing international markets, promoting export growth, and expanding their global footprint.
• Collaboration and Networks: Enterprise Ireland facilitates collaboration between companies, research institutions, and industry networks to stimulate innovation, knowledge sharing, and business development.
• Enterprise Ireland also provides various supports to EI clients in terms of sustainability and digital transformation.
I am confident that whether it is a new start up or growing an existing business there are programmes that are suitable for anyone exploring self-employment as an option or for those who are currently operating a business and wish to learn more.
