James Lawless
Ceist:80. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if funding is available for a project (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28670/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 14 June 2023
Ceisteanna (80)
Freagraí scríofa
The 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. They can also provide information and referrals to other relevant bodies under agreed protocols e.g. Revenue, Micro Finance Ireland, Fáilte Ireland, LEADER, and Enterprise Ireland. I would encourage anyone looking to start their own business to seek the advice of their LEO.
I would particularly recommend that any aspiring entrepreneur participate in the Start Your Own Business Programme, which guides clients through the various aspects of business and business planning. The objective is to assist clients in assessing their business idea, its viability and to make an informed decision on whether to proceed or take a step back.
The LEOs can offer direct grant aid to small businesses operating in the manufacturing and internationally traded services sectors which, over time, have the potential to develop into strong export entities. However, 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.
Individuals may also avail of the LEO Business Mentor programme, which is open to both new and existing businesses located within the LEO region and is designed to match up the knowledge, skills, insights, and entrepreneurial capability of experienced business practitioners with small business owner/ managers who need practical and strategic one to one advice and guidance. The mentor contributes independent, informed observation and advice to aid decision making including advice on finance options available to entrepreneurs.