Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 April 2018
321. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of persons that have availed of the LEO Brexit Mentor Programme by local enterprise office in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17452/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Local Enterprise Office (LEOs) are the ‘first-stop-shop’ for advice and guidance, financial assistance and other supports to those who are interested in starting or growing their own business.
The suite of LEO Brexit supports available to micro and small businesses through the 31 LEOs nationwide include:
- Access to the ‘Brexit SME Scorecard’ online tool where micro and smaller businesses can self-diagnose their readiness for Brexit;
- A ‘Technical Assistance for Micro-enterprises’ grant designed to support qualifying businesses to diversify into new markets, enabling companies to explore and develop new market opportunities;
- Rollout of ‘Lean for Micro’ nationwide which will make small businesses more efficient and competitive;
- A ‘LEO Innovation and Investment Fund’ pilot programme to support innovation in micro-enterprises and get them investor ready to scale their businesses;
- Tailored mentoring to address Brexit related business challenges;
- Targeted training on specific Brexit challenges, including financial aspects and capability building in innovation, competitiveness and opportunity diagnosis; and
- Continued information, advice and guidance across all 31 LEOs and regionally.
The additional Brexit supports on offer through the LEOs are focused on capability building, market diversification, driving increased competitiveness and promoting innovation so that LEO client companies can better cope with the challenges arising on foot of Brexit and to explore any opportunities presented.
The data requested has to be collated at individual LEO level and in the time available it has not been possible to get definitive data. I will revert to the Deputy with the requested data over the coming days.
