Irish SMEs can now access Government supports easier than ever.
A new free service called the National Enterprise Hub has been launched to help Irish SMEs find the Government support they need. The hub brings together more than 180 supports from 20 different Government departments and State agencies. It provides information on grants, funding, loans, expert advice and training programs. The hub also has a team of advisers who can help businesses find the right support.
The agencies involved include Enterprise Ireland; ; Local Enterprise Office; IDA Ireland; InterTrade Ireland; Skillnet Ireland; Solas; Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment; Department of Finance; Department of Social Protection and Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Information and resources on supports for specific sectors and areas are also accessible through the hub including Bord Bia, Fáilte Ireland, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, Bord Iascaigh Mhara, Teagasc and the Design & Crafts Council Ireland. Specialist finance agencies Microfinance Ireland and the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland are also connected to the hub, as are Irish language business agency Údarás na Gaeltachta and the Western Development Commission.
To ensure this new service meets the needs of Irish businesses, it was developed with input from business owners and industry groups like the Small Firms Association, IBEC, Retail Excellence Ireland, Irish SME Association (ISME) and Chambers Ireland.
The hub is a Government of Ireland initiative run by Enterprise Ireland on behalf of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. It can be accessed at neh.gov.ie or on 01 727 2100, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.
