This has been in part due to the challenges of navigating the broad network of supports and trying to figure out which grants, funding and training programmes their business might be eligible for.
The National Enterprise Hub, a new dedicated free service, has been designed to change that for the better, and ensure Irish SMEs get the support they need to grow their business and become more productive, energy efficient, digital and sustainable.
The new hub (neh.gov.ie) brings together more than 180 supports from 19 different government departments and State agencies. It’s an invaluable and reliable single source of information, making it simple and easy for businesses to seek the right support, whether in retail, hospitality, tourism, food and beverages, or other sectors. It has been described as like Citizens’ Information — for business.
Launched by Enterprise, Trade and Employment Minister Peter Burke, this free to access hub aims to ensure more Irish SMEs get access to the right grants, funding, loans, expert advice or training for their needs. Not only does it bring together supports from multiple agencies and government departments under one roof, through its easy-to-use website, but it is also staffed with advisers who can guide small business owners and managers every step of the way to finding the support they need.
The hub team has developed an excellent network of contacts across all 19 agencies and departments, so it can quickly and efficiently connect business owners and managers to the right people.
With the help of the hub, any business, big or small, can discover and learn about how to access funding, upskilling and other supports to which they may be entitled, and will be put directly in touch with personnel in the appropriate agency that administers the support relevant to their need.
The agencies involved include those with a broad general business support remit, such as Enterprise Ireland, the Local Enterprise Office Network, IDA Ireland, InterTrade Ireland, training body Skillnet Ireland and further education body Solas, along with multiple government departments. These include the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, the Department of Finance, the Department of Social Protection and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
Information and resources on supports for specific sectors are accessible through the hub including Bord Bia, Fáilte Ireland, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, 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.
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, to speak to a business adviser.
Conor O’Donovan is EI head of National Enterprise Hub & global marketing communications
