Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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162. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the supports and grants in Budget 2025 for a business (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40174/24]

Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The funding secured in Budget 2025 for the Local Enterprise Offices will allow the 31 LEOs to continue deliver their mandate, as set out in the LEO Policy Statement, and their critical work in promoting entrepreneurship and start-ups all over the country.

This Budget provision will support the wide range of high-quality business and management development programmes available through the LEOs. These are tailored to meet specific business requirements, whether it is a new start up or growing an existing business, there are programmes that are suitable for all small businesses. The funding will also enable the LEOs to help businesses become more competitive through programmes like Green for Business, Lean, and Digital for Business as well as funding streams such as the Energy Efficiency Grant and Grow Digital.

I would recommend that anyone starting their own business enquire about the’ Start Your Own Business’ (SYOB) Programme, which assists participants in assessing their business idea, its viability and then making an informed decision on whether to proceed or take a step back. The programme is designed to guide participants through the various aspects of business and business planning with no prior business knowledge necessary.