SMALL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE SCHEME FOR COVID (SBASC)
This new scheme has been announced by the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment to assist businesses with eventual re-opening.
If your business pays rates to Louth County Council and you are not eligible for the Covid Restriction Support Scheme operated by Revenue, this scheme could be for you.
Closing date for applications is 21st April 2021.
For more information or to apply to Louth County Council, please click here:
BUSINESS ADVICE CLINICS & MENTORING
The Business Advice Clinic is still open. Appointments will take place by phone. To book your place on the clinic, click here
Mentoring sessions are still available to more established businesses. To Book your place on the Mentor programme, click here
BREXIT BORDER PROGRAMME'S RECRUITING NOW
In Jan 2020, Minister Heather Humphreys announced a €28 million Border Region Stimulus package aimed at assisting border counties Louth, Monaghan, Cavan, Leitrim, Donegal, Sligo manage the challenges faced as a result of Brexit. Aimed at mitigating the impact of Brexit, 5 programmes in key areas were developed to assist border businesses develop their capabilities and build resilience.
The programmes include:
To learn more about these programmes and express your interest, click here:
Shop Local - Search Local - Support Local
Your choices make a real difference to your community!
Whether online or in person, the choices we make when shopping have a real impact on our local community. Shopping local keeps small businesses trading and local people employed. Local businesses employ your neighbour, your cousins, your brothers, sisters, parents and wider community. They keep our towns and villages lit up and full of friendly warm welcomes.
So, in 2021 we’re asking you, whether shopping online or in person, to always #ShopLocal.
If you’re wondering where to start, explore our handy Shop Local Directory where you can Shop Local, Search Local and Support Local. You'll find a huge selection of local businesses with all you need in food, fashion, gifts, crafts, home, garden and so much more.
Why not use #LookForLouth in your social media posts to tell us about the great local businesses you've discovered or brilliant local service that you’ve experienced?
Click here to start exploring our Shop Local Directory.
Supports for Local Retailers:
Local Businesses who have an online presence are invited to join our Shop Local Directory by emailing Tradingonline@Leo.Louthcoco.ie with your business name, web address, a logo or photo and a brief description of your product or service.
Louth’s Local Enterprise Office has a range of supports for retailers. Explore our website, emails us on info@leo.louthcoco.ie or call us on 1890 202303 to talk about your needs and how we can help.
Don’t forget to use #ShopLocal #LookForLouth #LookForLocal in your social posts so we can see and share them.
#ShopLocal #LookForLouth #LookForLocal
Trading Online Voucher Scheme
We are pleased to advise that the second phase of the Trading Online Voucher Scheme is now accepting applications through your Local Enterprise Office.
We would encourage you to submit your completed application form to Louth Local Enterprise Office to TradingOnline@leo.louthcoco.ie
Applications received after 5pm on December 31st will be considered for support at 50% of website costs to a maximum value of €2500.
For more information on the scheme and to obtain the application form click here.
Microfinance Ireland Supports for COVID-19
The COVID 19 Business Loan from Microfinance Ireland (MFI) is a government funded initiative to support small businesses through the current period of uncertainty and protect job creation/sustainment in Ireland.
If any micro-enterprise is impacted or may be impacted negatively by COVID-19 resulting in a reduction of 15% or more in turnover or profit, AND they are having difficulty in accessing Bank finance, the MFI COVID-19 Business Loan may be an alternative funding solution for them
For more information, click here.
Details of other Business Supports
Details of other business supports available from the Department of Enterprise, Business and Innovation can be found at https://dbei.gov.ie/en/
For a full list of supports from DBEI click here to download
A full range of Local Enterprise Office Supports can be found at https://www.localenterprise.ie/response
Contact Us
During this time, the best way to contact us is at info@leo.louthcoco.ie and a LEO representative will be back to you as soon as possible
