In addition to the range of supports available from Údaras na Gaeltachta for Gaeltacht-based businesses, Foras na Gaeilge, through its ‘Gnó Means Business’ programme, delivers a wide range of initiatives to support the use of the Irish language in business and economic life, including the Business Support Scheme. Under this scheme, funding is available to support the development of signage, stationery, printed marketing material, internet sites and other branding material in the Irish language or bilingually;
The scheme is open to Small and Medium Sized Enterprises all over the island, including Gaeltacht areas. The scheme operates on a match funding basis up to 50% of the total costs of the work, and costs up to €3,000 / £2,700 can be claimed so long as these costs are not already being covered by a state support scheme. As part of the application process, Foras na Gaeilge provides technical assistance to applicants when required in relation to translation, proofing, and bilingual design.
Other supports available to businesses include:
• a Business Support Resource Pack: Under this scheme, there are 31 specialist business support resources available free of charge. As part of the support package, there is a choice of self-adhesive signs, badges, leaflets and other support resources to enhance the visibility of Irish in a business environment;
• Bilingual Packaging: A Guide for Best Business Practice is the second in a series of guidance ebooks published by Foras na Gaeilge for the business sector focusing on the principles of bilingualism in signage and packaging. The guidebook aims to recognise best practice in the use of Irish in packaging and to demonstrate to the business community that the language is a valuable resource that can be used to attract consumers to their products. This ebook, which is a joint venture between Foras na Gaeilge and TU Dublin, was launched in 2017 and is available to download from the Foras na Gaeilge website www.forasnagaeilge.ie.
• Q-Mharc Gnó le Gaeilge is a voluntary code and newly-developed quality system for the Business Sector which focuses on giving official recognition to best bilingual practice based on the International Standard ISO 9001:2008. Small and medium sized enterprises throughout the island of Ireland can apply for this award.
