Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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The Local Enterprise Offices act as a ‘First Stop Shop’ for business owners throughout the country providing advice and guidance, financial assistance, and offer a ‘signposting’ service for all government supports available.

The Local Enterprise Offices can offer direct grant aid to microenterprises (10 employees or fewer) in the manufacturing and internationally traded services sectors which, over time, have the potential to develop into strong export entities. However, it should be noted that the Local Enterprise Offices do not provide direct grant-aid to areas such as retail, personal services, local professional services, construction/local building services, as it may give rise to the displacement of existing businesses. Mortgage service provision enterprises would fall outside the scope of eligible businesses for grant aid under the Local Enterprise Office network. 

The Local Enterprise Offices provide soft supports through a wide range of high-quality business and management development programmes that are tailored to meet specific business requirements. Whether it is a new start up or growing an existing business there is something suitable for anyone exploring self-employment as an option or for those who are currently operating a business. The Local Enterprise Offices offer free training and development programmes and mentoring and networking events.