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Government grants for small business are worth checking out

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 fundingFunding bodyAreaAmountFocus
     
Trading Online Vouchers  LEO FingalDublin 15, Fingal countyUp to €2.5K match fundingEcommerce website
Feasibility grantLEO FingalDublin 15, Fingal countyUp to 50% of the investment or €15,000Innovation, market research
Priming grantLEO FingalDublin 15, Fingal county Up to 50% of the investment or €150,000 Employment
Expansion grantLEO FingalDublin 15, Fingal countyUp to 50% of the investment or €150,000Employment
MicroFinance Ireland Small Business LoanLEO Fingal is an agent for MFINationalLoans from €5,000 to €25,000, 4.5% APRHaving difficulty in accessing bank finance
Fund diverse projects across a range of organisations in rural DublinDublin Rural LEADERParts of Fingal including local electoral areas of Lucan North & Castleknock- Knockmaroon€5,000 to €100,000, part-fundingWill part-fund projects that meet LEADER strategy – community, social enterprise & enterprise (business)
Back to Work Enterprise AllowanceDepartment of Social ProtectionNational, in Dublin 15 contact EmpowerKeep social welfare income for first 2 years of business plus benefitsSchemes allow you start a business and retain your social welfare payments for a limited period
VariousIntertrade IrelandIreland & Northern IrelandVarious, grants to employ sales staffStimulates cross border trade
Funding for Irish SMEsStrategic Banking Corporation of Ireland SBCI NationalLoans, asset finance or invoice financeCheck out Product Wizard on Home Page SBCI 
Grants for small business available in Dublin 15

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 )

Royal canal, Castleknock, Dublin 15

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,