Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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131. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the financial supports that are available for start-up food export businesses in terms of capital and other supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33754/22]

Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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My Department, through the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs), assists new businesses including entrepreneurs, early-stage promoters and small businesses looking to expand. The LEOs comprise a wide range of experience, skill and services to offer advice, information, training and support in starting or growing a business, or reaching new markets. Funding includes a Priming Grant available to qualifying small businesses within the first 18 months of start-up. The maximum Priming Grant payable is 50% of the investment or €100,000 whichever is the lesser. A Priming Grant may be available for sole traders, partnerships, community groups or limited companies established within the last 18 months.

Eligible expenditure on Capital items includes fit out of workspace, office equipment, machinery, computer costs, hardware, and software, although acquisition of building and purchase of mobile assets are excluded from grant aid. The LEO’s are a first stop shop for business. New businesses starting up are advised to contact their local enterprise office for full details of available funding and assistance.

As the Deputy is aware, my Department’s Agency Enterprise Ireland (EI), is responsible for supporting High Potential Start-Up (HPSU) Companies. HPSUs are start-up businesses with the potential to develop an innovative product or service for sale on international markets and the potential to create 10 jobs and €1m in sales within 3 years of starting up.

HPSU clients of Enterprise Ireland should contact their Enterprise Ireland Adviser to discuss available assistance.

Funding from Enterprise Ireland is closely aligned to a company’s stage of development with high potential start-up companies viewed as being at feasibility stage, investor ready stage or growth stage. There is a range of funding available to HPSU clients which can be viewed on the EI website, www.enterprise-ireland.com