The Irish government has launched a new service to help business owners access State support, such as grants, loans and expert advice.
Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment, Peter Burke TD, recently launched the National Enterprise Hub, a free resource that will help businesses access over 180 government supports from 19 departments and State agencies.
The service, which is supported by Enterprise Ireland, will make it easier for entrepreneurs to access and avail of support across a range of sectors, including retail, tourism and hospitality, food and beverages. It also aims to engage small businesses who have yet to avail of government support.
The National Enterprise Hub is staffed by experts and trained advisors focused on helping businesses. The information and resources are accessible online or by speaking to a member of staff via phone or live chat.
Minister @peterburkefg tells us about the new National Enterprise Hub (NEH) which brings together information on over 180 Government supports from 19 different agencies and can be accessed online or by speaking to relevant experts and advisors by phone. pic.twitter.com/FJ13k5YTwW
— Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (@DeptEnterprise) July 10, 2024
Speaking at the launch at Trinity College, Minister Peter Burke TD said: “The National Enterprise Hub is a fantastic new service which for the first time, gathers together all government supports in one place for businesses to search and access, saving our SMEs time and valuable resources in identifying the grants and measures that are relevant and available.
“The aim is to make engaging with government supports more efficient, and to increase the uptake of grants and government schemes, which will ultimately support the development and growth of Irish businesses. The National Enterprise Hub was a key element of the SME Package agreed by Government in May and I am delighted that it has now been delivered.”
Minister of State Emer Higgins TD said: “The start of a business journey can be daunting for some, and even as entrepreneurs progress, they may experience unexpected challenges along the way. The aim of the National Enterprise Hub is to help make it easier for those businesses to find what help is available and navigate the robust ecosystem.”
This initiative is funded by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and operated by Enterprise Ireland.
The Hub also involves the Departments of Finance, Social Protection, Agriculture, Food and the Marine as well as Local Enterprise Offices, IDA Ireland, InterTradeIreland, SEAI, Fáilte Ireland, Skillnet Ireland, Bord Bia, Design and Crafts Council Ireland, Microfinance Ireland, Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland, Teagasc, Údarás na Gaeltachta, Solas and the Western Development Commission.
Conor O’Donovan, Head of the National Enterprise Hub, Enterprise Ireland, said “Running a business isn’t easy, but accessing government supports should be. Our research shows that small businesses are facing many challenges including rising costs, attracting and retaining talent and not having the time to focus on the future of their business.
"The National Enterprise Hub is a new single source of government supports for businesses. From simple, easy-to-access grants, to expert advice and training, we’ve brought all of this information together in one place and have a helpful team of experts and advisors who will guide businesses every step of the way”.
The Hub team can be contacted at NEH.Gov.ie or by phone (01 727 2100), where users can engage directly with an advisor.
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