Áine Brady (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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Question 130: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the supports available from her Department or Enterprise Ireland for small service companies to start up; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20447/08]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Enterprise Ireland has primary responsibility for Irish companies in the manufacturing and internationally traded services sectors. It supports companies employing 10 or more people and start-up companies which have the potential to employ 10 or more people and reach or exceed €1m in exports over three years. The flow of innovative start-ups into the Irish economy is critical for future growth. High growth potential start-ups that can develop innovative products and services, underpinned by the imaginative use of technology, will be significant drivers in Ireland's continued economic success.

Encouraging and supporting these innovation-led high potential start-up companies (HPSUs) with an export focus is a key priority for Enterprise Ireland and is fundamental to building the next generation of world-class Irish companies. Enterprise Ireland offers a wide range of services, including financial and non-financial supports to companies with a business strategy that encompasses all elements required for business success. For example, Enterprise Ireland provides the "Innovative HPSU offer" to support the development of start-ups with a high potential for growth. Under this programme, Enterprise Ireland provides a financial contribution towards a Company's business plan where it involves the development of innovative and technological products, services or processes.

Other initiatives include the Enterprise Start Programme, which was developed by Enterprise Ireland and FÁS to help potential entrepreneurs to develop their new business ideas into business plans. The programme is aimed at individuals with new business ideas in technology or knowledge intensive sectors that are capable of achieving export sales. Participants have the opportunity of presenting their business plans to representatives of Enterprise Ireland, FÁS and the County Enterprise Boards. This gives the entrepreneurs a unique opportunity to receive immediate feedback, support and advice on how to further their business idea. Participants who complete a business plan can also avail of one-to-one mentoring as well as receiving a Certificate from the Institute of Leadership Management.

Another incentive available is the Enterprise Platform Programme, a one-year rapid incubation programme designed to provide hands-on support and management development for entrepreneurs who wish to start their own business. Small service companies may qualify for seed and venture capital funding. A dynamic and healthy venture capital market is a prerequisite for the growth and development of high potential start-up companies in Ireland. Enterprise Ireland has focused on stimulating seed and venture capital funds in order to promote the availability of this important source of funding. Under the 2007–2012 Seed and Venture Capital Programme Enterprise Ireland is investing €175 million in a new round of venture capital funding.

The 35 County and City Enterprise Boards provide a source of support to small businesses with 10 employees or fewer. Subject to certain eligibility criteria new and developing enterprises may qualify for financial support from the CEBs in the form of feasibility, employment and capital grants. In addition, the CEBs deliver a range of non-financial supports such as business advice and information services, management capability training and development programmes, mentoring initiatives and targeted promotion activities to improve management capability development within micro-enterprises. These supports are designed to help new and existing enterprises to operate effectively and efficiently so as to last and grow. I am satisfied that the above programmes and supports, along with a wide range of other initiatives, will assist small service companies to start-up, grow and adapt in today's economic climate.