Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 May 2018
9. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the uptake of Brexit "Be Prepared" grant supports provided by Enterprise Ireland to date to persons and businesses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22877/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department, through its agency Enterprise Ireland and Local Enterprise Offices, supports companies in urban and rural areas to start, innovate and remain competitive in international markets, now and into the future. On an annual basis, Enterprise Ireland works with approximately 5,000 companies through a network of market and sector advisers based across 10 national offices and 33 international offices. These manufacturing and internationally traded services companies are a critical source of existing employment and job creation in every county in Ireland.
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. Being prepared is crucial to ensure resilience to emerging challenges. To promote awareness, and supported by a national Prepare For Brexit campaign, Enterprise Ireland designed and launched a €5k Be Prepared Grant that supports the costs of SME clients in preparing a plan to mitigate risks and optimise opportunities arising from Brexit. This grant is demand led, and I am confident that Enterprise Ireland has the budgetary resources to meet the needs of all eligible companies who apply for the Grant. To date, 106 Be Prepared Grants have been approved to Enterprise Ireland client companies.
I have also launched a Brexit Working Capital Loan Scheme in April 2018, which will provide affordable working capital financing to eligible businesses. My officials are examining policy proposals for a new longer-term Business Investment Loan Scheme to support businesses.
Enterprise Ireland will continue to promote and develop supports across all counties and regions to ensure that the maximum number of clients are engaged in preparing for the impact of Brexit. These additional schemes include the Strategic Consultancy Grant supports the hiring of an outside consultant to assist the company in devising and/or implementing strategic initiatives aimed at improving business function and resilience. It is designed to facilitate business growth as the consultants can act as coach, mentor, facilitator, analyst, negotiator and/or operator for the company. Up to 50% of the costs incurred in hiring a consultant are available up to a maximum grant amount of €35,000.
The Market Discovery Fund provides support to companies to assist them in researching the viability of exporting in new or existing markets. The maximum funding is 50% of eligible expenditure up to a maximum grant of €150,000.
EI is continuing to work with companies to help them to become more innovative. The Agile Innovation Fund is an RD&I grant aimed at clients in sectors with rapid design cycles. The application process is simple and quick, with a short timeframe between application and approval.
EI has also rolled out a number of Brexit Advisory Clinics across the country which helps companies to examine their exposure to Brexit and develop effective strategies to mitigate against that exposure.
Enterprise Ireland has also introduced the Brexit: Act On initiative. Under the initiative an independent consultant helps companies to decide on specific actions that they can implement over a short period to enable them to address the risks and avail of the opportunities caused by Brexit.
