Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 May 2024
175. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment to provide, in tabular form, all grants available to new businesses setting up in an area (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20440/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs) are Units within the 31 Local Authorities nationwide and act as a ‘first stop shop’ providing advice and guidance, financial assistance, and other supports to those wishing to start or grow their own business. The LEOs provide a ‘signposting’ service for all government supports available to the SMEs and can provide information/referrals to other relevant bodies.
I would recommend that anyone looking to start a new business in Ballaghaderreen to first speak to a business advisor in LEO Roscommon as they are best placed to offer advice on the appropriate assistance available, tailored to meet the nature and sector of the business.
The LEOs nationwide offer grant assistance to small businesses operating in the manufacturing and internationally traded services sector. However, it should be noted that Local Enterprise Offices cannot 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 in the locality.
The table below sets out some of the grant supports that may be available to a new business starting up. I would recommend that they first contact their LEO and enquire about the Start Your Own Business (SYOB) programme, which guides clients through the various aspects of business and business planning. The objective of the SYOB is to assist clients in assessing their business idea, its viability and help them decide if they should proceed or take a step back.
|
Grant Name |
Eligible Expenditure |
Max Grant available |
|
Feasibility Study Grant |
Specific consultancy requirements (50%) Hiring of expertise from specialists Design Patent costs (50%) and Prototype development costs (50%) |
50% of the investment or €15,000, whichever is the lesser. |
|
Priming Grant |
Capital items Salary costs Consultancy/Innovation/Marketing costs General overhead costs |
50% of the investment or €150,000 whichever is the lesser. Grants over €80,000 and up to €150,000 are an exception and only apply if there is potential to graduate to Enterprise Ireland. |
|
Technical Assistance for Micro Exporters (TAME) |
Participation at Trade shows (inc. Travel costs and Fees) Participation at Enterprise Europe Network events Development of Marketing Materials Translation of existing Materials Investigation of new internal or external processes to develop export business |
50% of eligible costs (net of vat) to a max of €2,500 in any calendar year. |
|
Trading Online Voucher Scheme (TOVs) |
IT Consultation Development or upgrade of e-commerce website Implementing online payments or booking systems Purchase of Internet related software Developing an app (or multiplatform webpages) Development of a digital marketing strategy Implementing a digital marketing strategy Training/Skills development specifically to establish and manage online trading activity Purchase of online advertising Professional Photography costs |
The Trading Online Voucher Scheme offers a voucher of up to €2,500 (with 50% co-funding by the applicant). Business must be trading for at least 6 months prior to application. Note: In the event that voucher is approved for Online advertising or photography, the value cannot exceed 80% of other approved costs. |
|
Energy Efficiency Grant (EEG) |
Meters and installation costs Smart energy controls Upgrade lighting to LED (only as part of a package of eligible cost measures) Replacement/upgrade with more energy efficient system for manufacturing heating processes Heat recovery Small wind & hydro subject to feasibility assessment Equipment (more than 10 years) replacement/upgrade System components upgrades |
50% of project costs, up to a maximum of €5,000, on completion of a Green for Micro Report, GreenStart Report or a SEAI Energy Audit Note: The Energy Efficiency Grant is now enhanced for the retail and hospitality sectors to allow a top up of €3,000 for these businesses, bringing the total grant available to €8,000 and a contribution ratio of 75:25 |
