Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 4 May 2023
156. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he would consider simplifying the process for businesses to be able to access the information regarding the Government schemes available to them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20950/23]
View answerLocated within each of the 31 Local Authorities, the LEOs are a ‘First Stop Shop’ providing advice and guidance, financial assistance, and other supports to those wishing to start or grow their own business. The LEOs act as a ‘signposting’ service for all government supports available to the SME sector and, under agreed protocols, provide information and referrals to other relevant bodies e.g., Revenue, Micro Finance Ireland, Fáilte Ireland, LEADER, and Enterprise Ireland.
Furthermore, the Supportingsmes.gov.ie website is an online Government information portal where SMEs can find information and assistance on a range of tailored supports for enterprise of all sizes in Ireland. Supports include access to finance, management development, mentoring supports, business development programmes, market supports and trade promotion. The portal allows enterprise and entrepreneurs to identify the Government supports that they can avail of.
By completing a questionnaire, small business owners can discover which of the numerous business supports available from over 30 different Government Departments and Agencies they are eligible for and can find the contact details of their nearest LEO or other agencies where they can further discuss supports for their business.
The portal has recently been redesigned to make it more user friendly and informative with additional information added such as how to engage in Public Procurement opportunities. This redesign was a priority of the SME and Entrepreneurship Taskforce and was completed in December 2022.
The LEOs, in delivering on their mission to promote entrepreneurship, foster business start-ups and develop existing micro and small businesses to drive job creation, currently provide comprehensive information on supports available to entrepreneurs and business owners, through their 31 offices and their websites.
I am satisfied that the combination of the Supportingsmes.gov.ie website and the signposting services available through the LEOs, provide enterprises and entrepreneurs with a comprehensive overview of the suite of supports available including those from bodies other than my Department.
