Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 22 February 2024
126. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the level of help and support his Department can offer to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8584/24]
View answerI would recommend that anyone looking to start their own business first speak with their Local Enterprise Office (LEO). The LEO best placed to assist in this matter, is the LEO Dublin City , located at Block 4, Floor 1, Civic Offices, Wood Quay, Dublin 8, D08 RF3F and can be contacted by phone on 01-222 5611 or by e-mail at info@leo.dublincity.ie.
The LEOS are the ‘first-stop-shop’ for providing advice and guidance, financial assistance, and other supports to those wishing to start or grow their own business. In the first instance, the LEOs provide a ‘signposting’ service for all Government supports available to SMEs and provide information and referrals to other relevant bodies under agreed protocols.
I would particularly recommend that anyone exploring self-employment enquire about the Start Your Own Business (SYOB) Programme, which assists participants in assessing their business idea, its viability and then making an informed decision on whether to proceed or take a step back. The programme is designed to guide participants through the various aspects of business and business planning with no prior business knowledge necessary.
The LEOs can provide a referral to Micro Finance Ireland (MFI), which is a not-for-profit lender that offers small business loans of between €2,000 and €25,000 (unsecured). Loans for commercially viable proposals can be used to help fund start-up costs, working capital or business expansion and by applying through their Local Enterprise Office, clients can avail of a 1% reduction in the interest rate charged.
For further information on the assistance available to new businesses and the steps involved in setting one up, I strongly recommend speaking to a business advisor in the Local Enterprise Office as they have the experience and knowledge to help individuals with these decisions.
