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Local Enterprise Offices Support For SME’s

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As discussed last week, the general outlook in Ireland for start-ups and SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises) has begun to brighten considerably in recent years with the addition of new funding options and the acceptance of these forms of businesses as being a large and important part of Irish business in the modern age.

This week, it was revealed that start-ups and small businesses have also begun to form a large part of the Irish employment recovery as it was revealed that 3,700 jobs were created last year by these types of businesses, backed by their LEOs (Local Enterprise Offices). These offices are seldom the focus of much spotlight, but are often the key to getting a small business off the ground and keeping it running.

Local Enterprise Offices are run by Enterprise Ireland and specialise in assisting these vital small businesses in Ireland in a multitude of ways, from offering advice, information and guidance to creating a calendar of important news, publications and events for these business owners to be aware of. This provision is of vital importance to these smaller companies which may not otherwise find the support they so badly need to get off the ground. Minister for Trade Pat Breen has been quoted as saying of the offices:

“In a challenging environment, LEO clients have contributed substantially to economic development up and down the country, especially outside of the main urban centres.”

There are 31 LEO nationwide, each providing a wealth of essential services to the start-ups and SMEs in the locality. It was also reported that more than 80 small businesses progressed from LEOs into the Enterprise Ireland portfolio in 2017, meaning that these businesses crossed the threshold into viable businesses with the assistance of their LEOs.

Things appear to be looking up for small businesses in Ireland, and with the support of vital structures like the LEOs we may see a great many more new start-ups and SMEs get their big break on Irish soil.

Should you require any help, advice or guidance on any financial or business matters, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us here at EcovisDCA, where we will be happy to support you in getting your business to the next level.

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~ DCA PARTNERS, DECLAN DOLAN & EAMONN GARVEY

Hope for the Best, Prepare for the Worst

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Enterprise Ireland are endeavouring to ensure that Irish businesses are prepared for any eventuality during the Brexit transition. Their advice, and ours is to ensure that you are well prepared and have planned for these changes in advance. We all think we know our company and our business inside and out but with so much change on the horizon it is essential that you understand how your business will respond to any outcome.

Enterprise Ireland have created a free tool to ensure that you and your business are prepared and informed ahead of Brexit. The Enterprise Ireland SME Scorecard is a tool which will help any exporters from Ireland to the UK plan in advance and will give a detailed analysis of how prepared your business is for Brexit. Whilst you may know the ins and outs of your daily business well, this tool will allow you a glimpse into the future of how your business will respond to these coming changes.

The following six areas have been identified as the most important areas to prepare in advance of Brexit.

  • Business Strategy is essential in all areas of business, but in particular when change looms on the horizon it is essential to have a strategy in place and identify any areas of weakness in advance.
  • Operations relates to the day to day running of your business and it is vital to prepare for how this might change or if there are any existing issues that need to be modified.
  • Innovation is one of the main ways that Irish businesses can capitalise on the changes ahead with Brexit as improved services and innovative products can identify Ireland as a key player in the times ahead.
  • Sales and Marketing have always been a key aspect of business, and with Brexit these will become increasingly important in order to set your business apart to offset any downfall.
  • Finance is the backbone of any business so it is essential to assess your businesses financial strengths and weaknesses before Brexit comes into play to identify potential problems before they occur.
  • People Management has been identified as a key area to assess before Brexit as with such major changes ahead your team will be the ones at the battlefront.

As well as this free scorecard tool, Enterprise Ireland are allowing SMEs apply for a grant of up to €5000 to be used to prepare for Brexit and the changes it will bring. This will free up other cash flow to be used to otherwise further your business whilst the grant is used to buffer any weaker areas identified through the scorecard tool.

As always we are available for any advice or guidance you may require on business or finance matters.

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~ DCA PARTNERS, DECLAN DOLAN & EAMONN GARVEY