Tuesday, May 11 2010

Small Business Support Programme
Expands Into South-East Region


'Minister O'Keeffe launches voluntary
programme to help small businesses'


A programme designed specifically to come to the aid of small businesses and help them ride out the recession is being expanded into the South East Region (Waterford, Wexford, Kilkenny and Carlow), it was announced last night (Monday, May 10) in Waterford.

The move follows the success of the pilot in the Cork region over the past six months. More than 35 volunteer advisors with different skill sets have helped over 70 companies since the smallbusinessadvice.ie launch in late 2009, giving specific confidential help on the problems facing small business in a downturn.

Now the programme, initiated by Fine Gael TD Simon Coveney and launched in the South East last night by Minister for Enterprise Trade and Innovation Batt O’Keeffe is being rolled out in the South-East in phase two of the plans to expand it nationwide. More than 20 advisors have volunteered their expertise in the South East. The Small Business Advice Programme is non political, not for profit voluntary initiative.

Launching the programme in the South East, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation, Batt O'Keeffe TD, said: "The Small Business Advice Programme is the kind of voluntary effort that can drive local entrepreneurship and stimulate economic activity in our communities as Ireland emerges from recession."

"History has shown that in challenging economic times we can find new opportunities and fresh entrepreneurship to lead us to growth and prosperity once more. That task to rebuild our shaken confidence and stimulate industry is being led by Government but it starts locally through the creativity and courage of our entrepreneurs. In the coming weeks I will be setting out my plans for recovery in the enterprise sector, including measures that will help to stimulate jobs and growth in our indigenous businesses," Minister O’Keeffe said.

Speaking at the South-East launch, Deputy Coveney said: "We have been delighted with the voluntary response from business people in the South East. The consistent message you get from small business owners is that they are looking for quick, confidential help on specific problems."

"The experts we have brought together here are giving their time voluntarily and will be matched to businesses seeking assistance in tackling the difficult challenges they face. The fundamental idea behind this project is to capture and use the goodwill and skill-sets that many experienced business people have, in order to help small businesses survive through recession."

The Programme is sponsored by Bord Gáis Éireann and Plato, and supported by various business associations in the South East. Plato in particular is supporting the programme by training business Advisers.

The principle programme sponsor Bord Gáis Éireann CEO John Mullins said: "Bord Gáis is keenly aware of the difficulties facing small businesses in the current economic climate, many of whom are our gas and electricity customers. We welcome the opportunity to sponsor and support the initiative and do anything we can to assist the Irish small business sector during the current downturn." He stressed that companies such as Bord Gáis have a responsibility to assist small businesses at their greatest time of need.

Business author Eddie Hobbs, also spoke at the launch: “We all hear about the difficulties in the small business sector, but practical, on-the-ground help is hard to come by if you are a small business trying to keep your head above water. There are a growing number of businesses on a knife edge and all help, from the public or private sectors, is welcome. The success of the pilot programme show that once the advice is available, SME’s will gladly take up the offer."

The programme is totally confidential and involves businesses applying online at www.smallbusinessadvice.ie., detailing where they need assistance. This requirement will be matched with an Adviser with knowledge in that area who will lend their expertise on a voluntary basis for a specific timeframe to help overcome the problem.

Project Manager Donal Kissane outlined how businesses can apply: "We are keen to keep the process as simple and streamlined as possible for small business. To apply all the small business needs to do is log on to the website www.smallbusinessadvice.ie where they will get full contact details including a phone hotline 021-4534163. Small business may also apply on-line via the website, by email or by fax - full contact details are on the website."

Businesses in the South East who want to apply to the scheme should log on to www.smallbusinessadvice.ie for further information.