Press Release: Embargoed until 8pm Tuesday, 26 October 2010

Small Business Support Programme Expands Into Mid-West Region


'Minister Peter Power 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 Mid West Region (Clare, Limerick and Tipperary), it was announced last night in Thomond Park, Limerick.

The move follows the success of the programme in Carlow, Cork, Kilkenny, Waterford and Wexford over recent months. More than 60 volunteer advisors with different skill sets have helped over 150 companies since the smallbusinessadvice.ie launched in late 2009, giving specific confidential help on the problems facing small business in a downturn.

Now the programme, which was initiated by Fine Gael TD Simon Coveney, is being rolled out in the Mid West in the third phase of the plans to expand it nationwide. More than 20 advisors have already volunteered their expertise in the Mid West. The Small Business Advice Programme is non political, not for profit voluntary initiative.

Launching the programme in the Mid West, Minister Peter Power TD said “I am delighted that the Small Business Advice programme has expanded their service into Limerick, Clare and Tipperary and already the programme has helped a number of SMEs here in the Mid West. The invaluable advice and guidance that the programme offers is exactly what Irish businesses need to get through the difficult conditions that this recession has brought.”

Also speaking at the Mid West launch, Deputy Coveney said: “We have been delighted with the voluntary response to date from business people in the Mid West. 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 Mid West. 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.

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.”

TBusinesses in the Mid West who want to apply to the scheme should log on to www.smallbusinessadvice.ie for further information.

For further information, please contact:

Nigel O'Mahony, Director OMF Publicity
Tel: 00353 21 4965000
Mob: 00353 86 2497530
Email: nigel@omfpublicity.ie