Financial assistance provided by the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) is allocated to anyone wishing to start a new business or expand an existing business, subject to certain eligibility criteria. It should be noted that LEO grant assistance is provided primarily to microenterprises in the manufacturing and internationally traded services sector which, over time, have the potential to develop into strong export entities.
There are three main categories under which direct financial assistance is provided – Priming, Feasibility and Business Expansion grants. The local LEO Evaluation and Approvals Committee is charged with the decision to approve applications for assistance based on the eligibility criteria, and as you will appreciate, I have no role in that process or in the day-to-day running of the LEOs.