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Funding and Training Supports

Below is a list of supports available to businesses in South Dublin.  You will find information and links to supports from:

Local Enterprise Office South Dublin

The Local Enterprise Offices is your local first-stop shop for seeking information and support on starting or growing a business in Ireland. Whether you are a new entrepreneur or an existing small business owner.

The Local Enterprise Office provides advice, information and support to you in starting up or growing your business and organises events and initiatives to support networking groups.

Please click here for more information on Financial Supports or click here for information on Networking Groups

They also provide training which aims to help young or growing companies improve their chances of survival and growth by offering regular comprehensive courses in Starting a Business, Financial management, Technology, Online Marketing, Social Media, Business Planning.

Upcoming training in June/July

  • Trading Online Voucher Scheme Seminar - 12th June

This workshop aims to show the potential Trading Online Voucher applicant, how the voucher can be used and how to complete the application.

  • Google Ads - 27th June

A 3 hour session looking at how to use Google Ads, the key tools and features, to effectively run an ad campaign

  • Email Marketing - 5th July

A morning session where you will learn how to utilise email marketing to promote your business

  • LinkedIn for Business - 6th May

A morning session that explores how best to create a fully functioning LinkedIn page to grow your business.

  • Facebook and Instagram Advertising - 12th July

Learn the skills & tools needed to create an effective and measurable Facebook & Instagram advertising plan

  • Branding and Packaging - 13th July

Learn how to make your products stand out from the crowd in this morning session!

Please click here for these and other Training programmes 

Energy Efficiency Grant

The Energy Efficiency Grant supports the investment in technologies and equipment identified in a Green for Micro Report, GreenStart Report or a SEAI Energy Audit with 50% of eligible costs up to a maximum grant of €5,000.


The aim of the scheme is to reduce the impact of enterprises on the environment thereby increasing the agility and resilience of these businesses.

Who is Eligible for Energy Grant

 

  • small enterprises (employing between 1 and 50) *

  • who have undertaken a Green for Micro, GreenStart or recent energy audit by a SEAI registered energy auditor and who are not currently clients of Enterprise Ireland/Údarás na Gaeltachta/IDA.

  • who are established, registered, and operate within the area of the Local Enterprise Office.

  • where the turnover is in excess of €30,000 annually and the business is trading in excess of 6 months

 

See HERE for more information

Showcase Ireland

Showcase Ireland is a leading craft and design trades fair which takes place annually in the RDS, Dublin. In January 2023 over 4,000 buyers, both domestic and international, visited the fair to see the best craft and design products Irish businesses had to offer.

 

We supported 12 local businesses in showcasing their products at the event in 2023 and we hope to do the same at Showcase Ireland 2024! If your business is based within the South Dublin County Council area and you would like to register your interest for a LEO South Dublin supported stall at Showcase Ireland 2024, please click here:

Showcase Ireland 2024 Expression Of Interest - Local Enterprise Office - SouthDublin

Food Starter programme

The ‘Food Starter programme’ is a short programme (provided online) designed to help those with a food idea, or those at a very early stage of starting up a food business (typically the first 24 months). The objective is to provide the participants with a base knowledge of what is involved in setting up a food business. For those considering applying for the Food Academy Programme in the future, this programme will provide an excellent opportunity to boost your chances of securing a place.

The programme takes place over 4 afternoons at a cost of €100 and the next programme begins on the 17th July 2023 Places can be booked 
HERE!

LEAN For Micro Programme

Learn how to save on average €34,000 per business with the LEAN For Micro Programme!
The programme is led by Jigsaw Better Business award winning consultants. 2 online workshops & five 3.5hour 1 to 1 consultancy sessions. Enhance your staff's ability to work remotely by having the right systems and processes. The cost is €250 and the next programme is starting soon. Places are limited so if interested please complete the form HERE 


 

Green 4 Micro Programme

Looking to make your business more sustainable?

Reduce its carbon footprint?

Reduce costs?

Improve its resilience to climate change impacts?

If the answer is Yes to any or all of the above then our free Green 4 Micro programme is just what your business needs! Green for Micro - Local Enterprise Office - SouthDublin

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Technical Assistance Grant

A Technical Assistance Grant is a business development grant available to micro-enterprises to explore and develop new market opportunities.

 

Technical Assistance Grants will part-fund the costs that can be incurred in investigating and researching export markets, e.g. exhibiting at Trade Fairs, preparing marketing material and developing websites specifically targeting overseas markets.  

For more information - Technical Assistance for Micro Exporters Grant

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Supporting businesses to start, scale and innovate

This online guide is part of the Irish Government's Supporting SMEs campaign, to increase awareness of the range of Government supports for start-ups and small businesses.

Answer the seven questions HERE to find out which supports could possibly fit your business. 

 

The site also contains information on:

Start-ups

Funding and support are critical issues for start-ups and entrepreneurs. The Local Enterprise Offices and Enterprise Ireland in particular provide companies of all sizes with a flexible and proactive support model, responding to their growth and development needs. Find out more HERE about what supports are available for you.

Digitalisation

Digital technologies have the power to transform small businesses, opening up new opportunities that were previously only available to businesses of scale. Supports help companies at all stages of their digital journey – from the early days of simply going online, to digitalisation of products and business processes, to facilitating exporting, and to using digital technologies to develop new markets and business models. Click HERE for further information.

Climate and Energy

SMEs are reducing their contribution to greenhouse gas emissions and preparing for a better future. From the products purchased, to the energy used, there are many ways to make a difference. The Toolkit provides practical, cost-effective actions that every business can take to transform and build resilience. Complete the survey HERE to see what climate supports are available for your business.

Access to Finance

SMEs are supplied with credit through State-backed loan schemes and equity investment schemes. The operations of existing schemes are also reviewed on an ongoing basis to ensure that appropriate options to finance remain available to SMEs not only during times of economic disruption, but to also address market failures. Click HERE for more information.

Exporting

The Department is dedicated to expanding the current exporter base and accelerating the market diversification of existing exporters. There are supports in place for first-time exporters and those who want to grow their overseas markets. Click HERE or more information.

Scaling

There are various programmes available to accelerate the sustainable growth of SMEs to develop enterprises of scale. This includes the development of leadership, management and financial capability, providing pathways to new sources of funding, and assisting enterprises in realising opportunities overseas. Click HERE for more information.

The site also includes the following Business Guides:

Management Skills for SMEs

Find out more HERE about resources for Management Skills, which can give you the tools you need to increase the productivity of your business.

Prompt Payment Code

The Prompt Payment Code is an initiative developed by businesses for businesses. Its aim is to improving cashflow between businesses and moving towards a culture of providing “payment certainty”. Find out more HERE about the Prompt Payment Code and how you can become a signatory.

Sell to Government Guide

The Office of Government Procurement is responsible for sourcing common goods and services for the public sector and plays a key role in helping the State to save money. They work closely with the business community to promote procurement opportunities for SMEs. Find out more HERE about how you can sell to Government.

Better Regulation

Better Regulation is a government approach to improving the quality of the legislative process. The goal is to ensure that policy is evidence-based through stakeholder consultation and impact analysis. It would only be implemented when necessary and with the intended effects. Additionally, existing regulation is examined to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and unnecessary costs.  Find out more HERE

Climate and Energy Resources

Find out more HERE about resources which can help you and your business go green, fight climate change, and save energy.

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Networking

The Powerhouse Women in Business Network is a community of women entrepreneurs and professionals who are committed to supporting and empowering each other in their personal and professional lives. The network provides a platform for women to connect, collaborate, and share knowledge and resources. The Powerhouse Women in Business Network offers various opportunities for its members, including regular networking events, workshops, and mentorship programs. These events and programs aim to help women build their skills, grow their businesses, and advance their careers. 

The network also provides a supportive community for women to share their experiences, challenges, and successes. By connecting with like-minded women, members can gain valuable insights and support as they navigate their personal and professional lives.

Overall, the Powerhouse Women in Business Network is a valuable resource for women entrepreneurs and professionals looking to grow their businesses and careers while connecting with a supportive community of peers. 

Information on events and activities can be found here: Online Bookings

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