Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 113: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the assistance available to a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5062/11]

Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 118: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation the assistance available to a person (details supplied) setting up a new business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5012/11]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 113 and 118 together.

The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Innovation does not provide direct funding or grants to businesses but provides funding to a number of State Agencies, including the County and City Enterprise Boards (CEBs) and Enterprise Ireland, through whom assistance is delivered directly to businesses. The CEB's unique role positions them as a first point of contact for persons wishing to set up in business.

I would advise the promoter to contact their local CEB; the Wicklow County Enterprise Board in the first instance to discuss what options may be available to them and their proposed business venture. The Board is located at the Wicklow County Campus, Clermont House, Rathnew, Co. Wicklow; Phone No: 0404 30800, Fax No: 0404 30899: Email: enterprise@wicklowceb.ie; Website: www.wicklowceb.ie

To be eligible for CEB grant support an enterprise must be in the commercial sphere, must demonstrate a market for the proposed product/service, must have a capacity for growth and new job creation and must not employ more than 10 people. CEBs can provide both financial and non-financial assistance to a project promoter. The forms of financial assistance, which are available, subject to certain restrictions and conditions, include Priming Grants, Business Expansion/Development Grants, and Feasibility/Innovation Study Grants. The CEBs give priority to enterprises in the manufacturing or internationally traded services sector and must always give consideration to any potential for deadweight and displacement arising from a proposed enterprise.

In addition, the CEBs deliver a range of non-financial supports to improve management capability development within micro-enterprises designed to help new and existing enterprises to operate effectively and efficiently so as to last and grow.