Imelda Munster
Question:394. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of market discovery fund grants approved. [45094/19]
View answerTuesday, 5 November 2019
Questions (394, 395)
Imelda Munster
Question:395. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of Be Prepared grants awarded to date. [45095/19]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 394 and 395 together.
Brexit presents the most significant economic challenge of the past 50 years, and it is important that we prepare for any long-term structural and disruptive change that may emerge.
To promote awareness, and supported by a national Prepare For Brexit campaign, Enterprise Ireland designed and launched the Be Prepared Grant that offers up to €5,000 in support for the costs of SME clients in preparing a plan to mitigate risks and optimise opportunities arising from Brexit. As of 25 October 2019, 223 Be Prepared Grants have been approved by Enterprise Ireland to its clients.
A key strategy for Irish companies to withstand current global economic challenges is to diversify their export footprint. Enterprise Ireland launched the Market Discovery Fund with the aim of encouraging companies to expand into new markets by helping with the costs of researching viable and sustainable market entry strategies. As of 25 October 2019, 221 market discovery grants have been approved by Enterprise Ireland to businesses under this initiative.