Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 April 2023
81. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if grant-aid is available to a small business that needs to purchase mechanical equipment (details supplied) for the expansion of the business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19806/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Local Enterprise Offices are a ‘first-stop-shop’ for providing advice and guidance, financial assistance and other supports to those wishing to start or grow their own business and act as a ‘signposting’ service for all government supports available to the SME sector and can provide information/referrals to other relevant bodies under agreed protocols e.g. Revenue, Micro Finance Ireland, Fáilte Ireland, LEADER, and Enterprise Ireland.
The LEOs can offer direct grant aid to small enterprises 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 can provide financial assistance within three main categories: Feasibility Grants (investigating the potential of a business idea), Priming Grants (to part-fund a start-up) and Business Expansion Grants for existing businesses that want to expand.
In this instance, it should be noted that the LEOs do not provide direct grant-aid to areas such as retail, personal services, local professional services, construction/local building services, as it may give rise to the displacement of existing businesses. However, the Local Enterprise Office may be able to offer ‘soft’ support in the form of training or by providing a mentor to help support this business if desired.
Anyone with a viable business proposal can also use the LEO to make an application to MicroFinance Ireland, which offers support in the form of loans of up to €25,000 to start-ups with viable business propositions that do not meet the conventional risk criteria applied by the banks. LEO Kerry can advise and support the process of application if the business promoters wish to pursue this loan option.
Details of services offered by the Local Enterprise Office Kerry can be accessed via phone: (066) 718 3522 or email: kerryceb@kerrycoco.ie.
