Liam Quaide (Cork East, Social Democrats)
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186. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will outline the supports available to new businesses established in 2024 and not eligible for the increased cost of business scheme or the associated Power Up grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6838/25]

Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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In the Programme for Government, Government has committed to developing Ireland’s enterprise base by backing small businesses and start-ups, scaling up indigenous firms and enhancing our attractiveness as a location for foreign direct investment

In the first instance, I encourage any small business owners looking to avail of government support to consult the National Enterprise Hub (NEH), which launched in July 2024. The NEH has been designed as an entry point to aid business owners find relevant supports and help for their business.

The hub brings together information and resources on over 250 government supports from 29 different departments and state agencies which can be accessed through the new online hub or by speaking to a member of the team of advisors by phone or via live chat. The NEH is called out in our new programme for Government as an important tool for businesses that we will continue to support.

I would also recommend that such businesses contact their Local Enterprise Office (LEO) and seek the advice of a business advisor. The LEOs play an extremely important role at local level, as part of a supportive ecosystem, providing their services direct to small businesses and promoting entrepreneurship within towns and communities across the country. The LEOs are the first stop shop for every business in the country, they act as a ‘signposting’ service for all government supports available to the SME sector and can provide information/referrals to other relevant bodies under agreed protocols.

LEOs offer direct grant assistance to small businesses. However, it should be noted that grants that are specifically designed for growth or exporting are aimed at those in the manufacturing and internationally traded services sectors.

The LEOs provide consultancy and grants to small businesses across all sectors of the economy in the areas of Green, Digital and Lean. These grants are focused on providing capital to assist in implementation of recommendations to digitalise or decarbonise a business. These grants will also enhance the productivity and improve the competitiveness of small businesses.

The LEOs also provide 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 are programmes that are suitable for anyone exploring self-employment as an option or for those who are currently operating a business and wish to learn more.

Over the course of the next five years Government will ensure the LEOs are resourced to help local businesses and adjust Enterprise Ireland’s mandate to better support small indigenous exporters.

John Connolly (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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187. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of businesses refused the Power Up grant due to not being rates compliant for 2023, as per the increased cost of business criteria. [6886/25]

Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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In total, the Increased Cost of Business (ICOB) and Power Up grant schemes paid out over €400 million to SMEs right across the country.

Both grant schemes were administered by the Local Authorities on behalf of my Department. One of the eligibility requirements for both schemes was that businesses must be rates compliant or in a performing rates plan agreed with their Local Authority.

Determining rates compliance was a matter for the Local Authorities. My Department does not have details of businesses who were not rates compliant. The final eligibility decision rested with the Local Authority who had specific information in relation to rate paying businesses.