Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 June 2014
15. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation his plans to work in conjunction with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine in providing a rural, agricultural dimension to the services of the local enterprise offices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23810/14]
View answerThe 31 Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) throughout the country are charged with promoting entrepreneurship and micro-enterprise development and are the first-stop-shop for those beginning a new business as well as those wishing to expand their existing one. They are the single point of access to all local and national enterprise supports and services.
The LEO structure provides a service which amalgamates national enterprise policy and local business supports in order to strengthen the local business culture and environment. The LEOs will deliver a comprehensive service to local entrepreneurs and businesses, including:
- direct grants, mentoring and training for suitable projects;
- Utilising local business expertise to evaluate projects;
- Providing training and mentoring on starting your own business, including drawing up a business plan or accessing commercial space;
- Providing an enhanced advice and guidance service embracing all other local and national supports;
- Direct referral of clients to Enterprise Ireland;
- Referral to the supports of Revenue, Social Protection, Microfinance Ireland, the Credit Review Office, Skillnets and the Education and Training Boards in giving the best possible service to people who have a business idea.
- Direct advice and guidance on Local Authority rates, procurement and regulations affecting business.
Each LEO will develop a local plan for boosting enterprise. Key targets in the local plan will be new business start-ups, business expansions and jobs created or sustained as well as wider economic impacts such as exports, mentoring, training and promotion of entrepreneurship.
In summary, the LEOs will be able to provide information and guidance to all business ideas, including those with a rural / agricultural dimension, and can provide funding and mentoring / training to projects that have the potential to trade internationally and become commercially viable. Further information on the LEOs is available at www.localenterprise.ie.
