Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 November 2021
39. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will indicate whether there has been a falloff in new enterprises established with Local Enterprise Office or with Enterprise Ireland support; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53162/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2020 the LEOs approved 180 clients to a value of €1,318,719 to businesses to assist with research and development costs through its grant programme. Thus far in 2021 the LEOs have approved 162 clients to a value of €1,189,230.00. In 2020, the LEOs assisted 328 Start-ups with €4,949,183 in priming grant funding. The LEOs have assisted 290 start-ups with €3,775,897 in funding so far in 2021.
The Start Your Own Business programme guides clients through the various aspects of business and business planning. In 2020 the LEOs approved 342 start your own business courses to 5,150 Participants. In 2021 the LEOs approved 302 courses to 4,603 participants.
Evidence suggests that while there is a slight fall off this was to be expected given that some entrepreneurs were not as confident in taking the risks during the COVID-19 pandemic as they otherwise would normally be. It is anticipated that there will be an increase year on year given the economy is opening back up and I am encouraged that there still exists a healthy entrepreneurial appetite within the Micro-enterprise sector.
Scaling and growing the export and start-up base continues to be a key priority for Enterprise Ireland. Enterprise Ireland provides assistance to entrepreneurs and start-up companies to help with business planning, mentoring and development advice, feasibility funding and finance.
Enterprise Ireland supports new enterprises through its High Potential Start Up division. In 2020, Enterprise Ireland supported 80 HPSUs with equity investment. To date in 2021, there have been 42 HPSUs approved. This compares with 49 at the same time in 2020. While there is a slight decline in this figure at this stage, there is a strong pipeline of HPSU companies and it is envisaged that the outturn in 2021 will be similar to that seen in 2020.
