Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 237: To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the position regarding a start-up grant in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31485/11]

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

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) and Enterprise Ireland, through whom assistance is delivered directly to businesses. The role of the CEBs throughout the country is to provide a source of both financial and non-financial assistance support for eligible micro-enterprises 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.

The CEBs unique role positions them as a first point of contact for persons wishing to set up in business. I am advised that Kerry CEB has not had contact with the promoter to initiate a grant application. The project promoter may therefore in the first instance wish to contact Kerry CEB to discuss what options may be available to him. Kerry CEB may be contacted directly at Kerry County Enterprise Board, County Buildings, Rathass, Tralee, Co. Kerry, Phone: 066-7183522 Email: kerryceb@kerrycoco.ie. Alternately, contact details for the CEB network are available through their national website www.enterpriseboards.ie.