I propose to take Questions Nos. 388 and 389 together.
I recommend that any small business owner should contact the National Enterprise Hub (NEH), which helps businesses navigate and access a wide range of government supports available from different Government bodies.
These resources are available through the online portal at www.NEH.gov.ie, or by speaking directly with an advisor who can help assess the specific needs of a business and help signpost them to the most appropriate supports or agencies.
The NEH was established as a signposting service to improve access to supports and reduce friction for business owners.
In addition, I would also point small business owners in Kerry towards the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) in Tralee.
LEOs offer direct grant assistance to small businesses that are specifically designed for growth or exporting are aimed at those in the manufacturing and internationally traded services sectors. It should be noted that these cannot be provided to businesses in areas such as personal services, local retail, or local professional services.
LEOs also provide consultancy and grants to small businesses of all sectors, in the areas of Green, Digital and Lean. These grants are focused on providing capital to assist in the implementation of recommendations to digitalise or decarbonise a business. These grants will also enhance the productivity and improve the competitiveness of small businesses particularly in the areas of LEAN, Green, and Digital.
Furthermore, the LEOs offer a wide range of high-quality business and management development programmes that are tailored to meet specific business requirements. LEO Mentors are well versed in the wide range of supports that may be available to business owners and provide crucial insights into the business development journey.
Mentors can also assist business owners with applications to Micro-finance Ireland (MFI), which is a not-for-profit lender that offers small business loans for commercially viable proposals. MFI loans can be used to help fund start-up costs, working capital or business expansion and by applying through their Local Enterprise Office, clients can avail of a 1% reduction in the interest rate charged. These loans are available to any business (Sole Trader, Partnership or Limited Company) with less than 10 employees subject to certain eligibility criteria.
