Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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My Department 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), through whom assistance is delivered directly to businesses.

The role of Kerry County Enterprise Board as part of the CEB network, is to provide support for small businesses with 10 employees or fewer in the start-up and expansion phases, to promote and develop indigenous micro-enterprise potential and to stimulate economic activity and entrepreneurship at local level, with priority being given to manufacturing and internationally traded services. While their primary function is to promote enterprise, CEBs can support individuals, firms and community groups provided that they have the capacity to achieve commercial viability which is vital to job creation.

Each CEB delivers a series of Programmes to underpin this role and they can provide both financial and non-financial assistance to a project promoter. The forms of financial assistance which are available, subject to certain eligibility criteria, include Priming Grants, Expansion/ Development Grants and Feasibility/ Innovation Study Grants. The provision of non-financial assistance can take the form of a wide range of business advice such as Programmes covering Business Management, Mentoring, E-commerce, Enterprise Education, and Women in Business networks.

Kerry CEB has advised my Department that they are familiar with the promoters and their proposed venture. The CEB has confirmed that they have engaged with the promoters and following an application for CEB assistance, the Board has approved financial assistance in the form of a Feasibility Study Grant towards this venture. The CEBs maintain a unique relationship with both clients and local businesses throughout their communities and can specifically tailor their programmes to meet the evolving needs and requirements of these small enterprises. It is in this regard that I would advise the promoters to maintain contact with their local CEB as their venture continues to develop into the future.