Business Supports

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 May 2023

Tuesday, 16 May 2023

Questions (310)

Michael Collins

Question:

310. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the grants available for a person who wants to make their own picture frames from their own garage (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23156/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

The Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) are a ‘first stop shop’ for providing advice and guidance, and act as a signposting service for all government supports available to anyone looking to start or grow their own business. As such I would recommend that this individual seek the advice and guidance of a LEO business advisor to enquire about what supports would be available to them. The LEOs are located within each of the 31 Local Authority areas and their contact details can be found through www.localenterprise.ie.

I strongly recommend that any entrepreneur participate in the LEO Start Your Own Business Programme which can guide new business owners through the various aspects of business and business planning.  The objective is to assist them in assessing their business idea, determining its viability and deciding if they should proceed or take a step back.

The LEOs can provide grant assistance to entrepreneurs and small businesses, including sole traders, operating in the manufacturing and internationally traded services sectors, subject to eligibility criteria. However, it should be noted that LEOs cannot provide direct grant-aid to areas such as retail, personal services, local professional services, construction/local building services, as it may give rise to the displacement of existing businesses in the locality.

This individual may also benefit from contacting the Design and Craft Council of Ireland (DCCI). The DCCI Academy provide a range of ‘Bench to Business’ courses to support businesses. These courses guide businesses to develop their products and services and provide training on how to target a broader audience through eCommerce and digitalisation. For more details on these courses and how to register with DCCI go to www.dcci.ie.