Funding for small business
Out walking in the sunshine with my Irish Terrier Milo today, I met a small business owner. Though not a Celtar client, I have supported her business on social media, and share a common interest in promoting local heritage. She tells me that her business grew during the pandemic, as the company was able to take advantage of the growing interest in outdoor pursuits.
What’s available?
We chatted about business grants and business planning, I mentioned cash-flow forecasts and also government backed loans. In fact she had taken advantage of a loan from Micro Finance Ireland. And, as she appeared unaware of other funding opportunities, I thought I would share information on business grants and other funding opportunities with her. So here we are!
Talk about your funding needs?
You are welcome to discuss your requirements, ask questions and look for guidance by booking an “easy to apply for” online session with us at Celtar Advisers BOOK An ADVICE Session here. (Discount price of €85 including VAT!)
Starting a Business in Dublin 15?
| Name of funding | Funding body | Area | Amount | Focus |
| Trading Online Vouchers | LEO Fingal | Dublin 15, Fingal county | Up to €2.5K match funding | Ecommerce website |
| Feasibility grant | LEO Fingal | Dublin 15, Fingal county | Up to 50% of the investment or €15,000 | Innovation, market research |
| Priming grant | LEO Fingal | Dublin 15, Fingal county | Up to 50% of the investment or €150,000 | Employment |
| Expansion grant | LEO Fingal | Dublin 15, Fingal county | Up to 50% of the investment or €150,000 | Employment |
| MicroFinance Ireland Small Business Loan | LEO Fingal is an agent for MFI | National | Loans from €5,000 to €25,000, 4.5% APR | Having difficulty in accessing bank finance |
| Fund diverse projects across a range of organisations in rural Dublin | Dublin Rural LEADER | Parts of Fingal including local electoral areas of Lucan North & Castleknock- Knockmaroon | €5,000 to €100,000, part-funding | Will part-fund projects that meet LEADER strategy – community, social enterprise & enterprise (business) |
| Back to Work Enterprise Allowance | Department of Social Protection | National, in Dublin 15 contact Empower | Keep social welfare income for first 2 years of business plus benefits | Schemes allow you start a business and retain your social welfare payments for a limited period |
| Various | Intertrade Ireland | Ireland & Northern Ireland | Various, grants to employ sales staff | Stimulates cross border trade |
| Funding for Irish SMEs | Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland SBCI | National | Loans, asset finance or invoice finance | Check out Product Wizard on Home Page SBCI |
Up-to-date information on starting a business in Ireland
For up-to-date information on Starting a Business in Ireland, I always check out the Citizens Information website, particularly Starting a business. It’s the best quick source of information I know for Tax, Social Insurance, Funding, Legal Structures, Foreign Nationals starting a business and a plethora of business supports.
Key websites
31 Local Enterprise Offices support businesses with less than 10 employees and startups, (mostly)
Enterprise Ireland support High Tech StartUps and larger companies, and is the government organisation responsible for the development & growth of Irish enterprises in global markets
StartinIreland, new website from Enterprise Ireland startinireland.com
There are at least 170 business supports provided by the Irish government, and you can find all about them when you interrogate this handy online database supportingSMEs.gov.ie aimed at startups and SMEs.
What & where is Dublin 15 (photo above of Royal Canal )
Dublin 15 is a region of Dublin in County Fingal. With a growing population of over 120,00, the area contains the highest concentration of business parks in Ireland. It comprises of the following towns, villages and neighbourhoods.
Blanchardstown, Castleknock, Clonsilla, Ongar, Carpenterstown, Coolmine, Corduff, Luttrellstown, Porterstown, Damastown, Huntstown, Littlepace, Mulhuddart, Tyrrelstown, Waterville.
More information on the Dublin 15 WIKI page .
Pandemic times, your health & safety
Billy Linehan of Celtar Advisers is a resident of Dublin 15, and is easily available to contact for online meetings via Zoom. Since the start of the pandemic, Zoom has been a useful tool for online meetings with individuals and groups. We can cater for in-person meetings when meeting outdoors – or indoors where everyone concerned is fully vaccinated and rooms are well ventilated (CO2 levels <800ppm).
Flexibility
Business advice sessions of 50 minutes can be arranged for out-of-office hours and at weekends. Book via the Celtar website, we look forward to meeting you, and answering your questions!
Other information on Starting a Business may be found HERE,
