Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 July 2018
369. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the number of small job-creating enterprises set up in the past two years; the number of jobs involved; the degree to which this programme can continue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31008/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnterprise Ireland supports companies in regional and rural areas to start, innovate and remain competitive in international markets, now and into the future. In addition, with the advent of the network of Local Enterprise Offices, Enterprise Ireland now plays a critical role in driving and nurturing entrepreneurship all the way from an originating idea at local level, to taking-on global markets.
The Local Enterprise Office can offer direct grant aid to microenterprises (10 employees or fewer) in the manufacturing and internationally traded services sector, which over time have the potential to develop into strong export entities. LEO grant support schemes for start-ups include Priming Grants (available to micro enterprises within the first 18 months of start-up).
For the years 2016 and 2017, 558 LEO Clients received Priming Assistance resulting in the job creation of 961 Nett Jobs.
Table 1 presents the number of Priming Grants Class of 2016 and 2017 and their respective employment figures as measured by the 2016/2017 Annual Employment Survey.
Table 1: Priming Grants 2016 and 2017
|
No. of Clients |
Total Nett employment (Based on 2016 & 2017 AES survey) |
|
558 |
961 |
Enterprise Ireland actively works with High Potential Start-Ups (HPSUs), companies with the potential to develop an innovative product or service for sale in international markets and the potential to create 10 jobs and €1m in sales within 3 to 4 years of starting up. Enterprise Ireland’s HPSU Team, works with start-up companies to ensure that they can avail of supports that reflect the stage of development of the business and the type of activity that the business is engaged in.
Table 2 presents the number of High Potential Start Ups in the Class of 2016 and 2017 and their respective employment figures as measured by the 2017 Annual Employment Survey.
Table 2: High Potential Start Ups 2016 and 2017
|
Class of HPSU |
No. of Companies |
Total employment (Based on 2017 AES survey) |
|
2016 |
101 |
766 |
|
2017 |
90 |
417 |
|
Grand Total |
191 |
1,183 |
