John Cregan (Limerick West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 208: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the supports that are available from her Department for a person who was made redundant and wishes to start up their own business. [31330/09]

Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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The County and City Enterprise Boards (CEBs) can provide support to new business start-ups and micro-enterprises (i.e. small businesses with ten 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. All of the CEBs operate to the same criteria in relation to the assistance which they can offer i.e. they can support the establishment and/or the development of micro-enterprises provided that the projects, which should generally be in the manufacturing and internationally traded services sector, have the capacity to achieve commercial viability and which, over time, may develop into strong exporting entities. In addition, the CEBs deliver a range of non-financial supports to improve management capability development within micro-enterprises designed to assist enterprises to develop their growth potential.

Anyone who wishes to start their own business should in the first instance contact their local County Enterprise Board (details of all Boards are available on www.enterpriseboards.ie) to seek appropriate advice.