Finian McGrath
Question:96. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will support the Springboard innovation academy business hub (details supplied). [13430/13]
View answerWednesday, 13 March 2013
Questions (96)
Written answers
I thank the Deputy for bringing this business idea to my attention. My Department has already had contact with the Deputy's correspondent.
Enterprise Ireland has a broad system of financial and non-financial supports in place to assist clients through all stages of the business development cycle. My Department has provided the Deputy's correspondent in this matter with the contact details of the relevant Development Adviser in Enterprise Ireland who is available to discuss his proposal with him and who can provide him with details of the supports available from Enterprise Ireland to entrepreneurs and early stage companies that have an innovative product, service or technology, and have the potential to achieve exports sales and create employment. These supports include: Pre Investment Supports for High Potential Start-Ups (HPSUs); New Frontiers Entrepreneur Development Programme. National incubation programme that offers successful applicants a package of supports to help accelerate their business development and to equip them with the skills to successfully start and grow a company. HPSU Feasibility Grant. Used to investigate the viability and potential of an innovative/high potential start-up and the development of an Investor Ready Business Plan. Innovative HPSU Fund (Equity). The Innovative HPSU Fund allows Enterprise Ireland to offer equity investment to HPSU clients, on a co-funded basis to support the implementation of company business plans. First time and follow-on equity investments in HPSUs are supported under this offer. Mentor Grant. Used to support the cost of a Mentor Assignment. Enterprise Ireland can match an entrepreneur with an experienced business mentor to assist the start-up phase or advise on specific areas of a company development plan. Innovation Voucher. Innovation Vouchers, worth €5,000, are available to assist a company to work with a registered college or knowledge provider to explore a business opportunity or technical problem. Internet Growth Acceleration Programme (iGAP). A 6 month intensive management development programme aimed exclusively at high potential internet/games companies.
In addition, Dublin City Enterprise Board (DCEB) can provide support for micro-enterprise in the start-up and expansion phases in order to promote and develop indigenous micro-enterprise potential and to stimulate economic activity at local level. This support can be either financial and/or non-financial in the form of Priming Grants, Business Expansion/Development Grants, Feasibility/Innovation Grants as well as a wide range of business advisory services such as Business Management, Mentoring, E-commerce, Enterprise Education and Women in Business networks. Anyone interested in exploring the supports available from DCEB can contact the Board at www.dceb.ie.