Michael McCarthy (Cork South West, Labour)
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Question 189: To ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will outline in detail the financial and administrative supports available to start-up companies here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39446/11]

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) and Enterprise Ireland, through whom assistance is delivered directly to businesses. The role of the CEBs is to develop indigenous potential and stimulate economic activity at a local level primarily through the provision of financial and technical support for the development of small and micro-enterprises. The Boards form a nationwide support network for small business and are considered to be a first point of contact for persons wishing to set up in business.

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. Subject to certain eligibility criteria new and developing micro-enterprises may qualify for financial support from the CEBs in the form of priming, expansion/development and feasibility/innovation grants. The CEBs also deliver non-financial supports such as one-to-one mentoring and a range of business advice and training programmes 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, which may be available as appropriate to the needs of the promoter's business. Any persons considering setting up in business should in the first instance contact their most appropriate CEB to discuss what options may be available to them and their proposed business venture. Contact details for each of the CEBs can be obtained through their national website address at www.enterpriseboards.ie.

Enterprise Ireland's High Potential Start-Up (HPSU) team provides hands-on support and advice to entrepreneurs and early stage companies that are considered by Enterprise Ireland to have an innovative product, service or technology, and have the potential to achieve exports sales and create employment. Anybody thinking of starting a new business with export potential or currently raising investment for a start-up venture may qualify for support and investment.

Enterprise Ireland'sHPSU Team is located at The Plaza, Eastpoint Business Park, Dublin 3. Early Stage Start-Up enquiries should be directed to Phone No. 01 7272885, Fax No: 01 7272020 or e-mail: client.service@enterprise-ireland.com; Website: www.enterprise-ireland.com.