The role of Meath County Enterprise Board, as one of a network of County and City Enterprise Boards (CEBs) throughout the country, is to provide a source of support for micro-enterprise in the start-up and expansion phases, to promote and develop indigenous micro-enterprise potential and to stimulate economic activity and entrepreneurship at local level. Business growth, job creation and retention are central to the activities of the CEBs.
Subject to certain eligibility criteria, Meath CEB can provide both financial and non-financial assistance to eligible project promoters. The forms of financial assistance available include Priming Grants, Business Expansion/Development Grants and Feasibility/Innovation Grants. The provision of non-financial assistance includes general Business Advice and Business Management Training as well as Mentoring and Networking opportunities.
The overall Exchequer allocations to Meath CEB for the years 2006 to 2010 including administrative overheads, salaries, and financial supports to micro-enterprises in the form of direct grant aid and soft supports were €916,019, €968,275, €1,042,093, €964,617 and €898,531 respectively.
The information sought by the Deputy in relation to grant assistance is set out as follows. Individual grant details are not retained by this Department. An average grant aid figure per project has been included.
|
2006
|
2007
|
2008
|
2009
|
2010
|
Grants Paid
|
€204,813
|
€252,974
|
€286,336
|
€228,797
|
€230,515
|
No. of Projects Assisted
|
22
|
27
|
26
|
42
|
32
|
Average Grant Issued
|
€9,310
|
€9,369
|
€11,013
|
€5,448
|
€7,204
|
Enterprise Ireland and the CEBs work closely together on the EI Community Enterprise Centre Scheme and provide practical support in terms of space and facilities and a supportive environment for new businesses to emerge and prosper at a local level. Under this scheme three Enterprise Centres have been funded in Meath, they are:
Navan Enterprise Centre, now eight years in existence, is fully occupied and expansion plans have received Enterprise Ireland approval. 27 different tenants employ about 250 people in the 7,000 square metre centre and this is continuing to grow. Epicom Ltd., a specialty packaging company, is one of the largest employers in the centre. Other tenants include Millmount Healthcare, Navan uPVC and the Health Service Executive.
Kells Enterprise Centre Ltd. was completed in December 2006 at an estimated cost of €2.9m. The Centre has a total floor space of 2,280 square metres, with units of approximately 20-750 square metres. Phase 2 of the centre has now moved swiftly ahead and when complete will accommodate 30/35 businesses in a 29,000 square foot facility. Selection will be based on technology and high-value added businesses with a particular emphasis on manufacturing.
Trim Initiative for Development and Enterprise Ltd (TIDE) is planning for future development.