Maurice Quinlivan
Ceist:1239. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the budget allocation for the local enterprise offices in each of the years 2015 to 2018. [33598/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 24 July 2018
Ceisteanna (1239)
Freagraí scríofa
The Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) are the ‘first-stop-shop’ for providing advice, guidance, financial assistance and other supports to those wishing to start or grow their own business. The LEOs 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. Subject to certain eligibility criteria, the LEOs provide financial assistance within three main categories, i.e., Feasibility, Priming and Business Development grants for existing businesses that want to expand. Soft supports in the form of training and mentoring can also be provided to anyone wishing to expand their business.
A capital allocation of €18.5m was made available to the LEOs in 2015 and 2016. In 2017, the LEOs received an additional allocation of €4m. The capital allocation provided to the LEOs in 2017 was maintained in 2018.