The Local Enterprise Office provides advice, information and support to you in starting up or growing your business.
With 31 dedicated teams across the Local Authority network in Ireland, Local Enterprise Offices offer you a wide range of experience, skills and services.
The Local Enterprise Office is the First Stop Shop for anyone seeking information and support on starting or growing a business in Ireland.
Our Role: To help you deliver on your business idea
- To drive the development of local enterprise, putting local micro and small business at the heart of job creation in Ireland.
- To drive and support business start-ups and promote a ‘can-do’ business culture.
- To increase the job potential of new and existing micro and small businesses.
- To increase the number of innovative businesses with potential to export.
- To be proactive in response to the needs of our clients.
I have a business idea - where do I start?
You should contact us to discuss your idea. The Local Enterprise Office Galway is the First Stop Shop for anyone seeking information and support on starting or growing a business in Galway.
We aim to to promote entrepreneurship, foster business start-ups and develop existing micro and small businesses to drive job creation and to provide accessible high quality supports for your Business ideas.
We will achieve this by providing the highest standard of client service and access to 'best in class' support for our clients' businesses.
Do you only work with start-ups?
We work with both startups and existing businesses looking to expand. Anyone with a business idea or who already has an established business that is looking for information, advice, referral to other supports, guidance on ‘how to start your own business’ or may need training, mentoring or financial assistance (subject to certain criteria) is welcome to contact us.
Are the Local Enterprise Offices different to the County and City Enterprise Boards?
In April 2014 the existing 35 County Enterprise Boards were dissolved under primary legislation and the functions, assets and liabilities were transferred to Enterprise Ireland with the Local Authority structure agreeing to carry out these functions on EI’s behalf in Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs).
With 31 dedicated teams set up as offices of within each Local Authority in Ireland, LEOs offer a wide range of experience, skills and services. LEOs also promote enterprise and entrepreneurship and foster a culture of enterprise.
What types of financial assistance is available from Local Enterprise Offices?
We offer a variety of financial supports to assist the start-up, development and expansion of small businesses in the manufacturing and services sectors (based upon eligibility criteria) as follows:
A Priming Grant is a business start-up grant available to micro enterprises within the first 18 months of startup. The maximum Priming Grant payable must not exceed 50% of the investment or €150,000 whichever is the lesser. Subject to the 50% limit, a maximum grant of up to €15,000 per full time job created shall apply in respect of any employment support grant aided.
The Business Expansion Grant is designed to assist business in its growth phase after the initial 18 month start-up period. Micro enterprises that have availed of a Priming Grant are ineligible to apply for a Business Expansion Grant until 18 months after the final drawdown date of the Priming Grant except in exceptional circumstances.
The maximum Business Expansion Grant payable must not exceed 50% of the investment or €150,000 whichever is the lesser. Subject to the 50% limit, a maximum grant of up to €15,000 per full time job created shall apply in respect of any employment support grant aid.
This is designed to assist the promoter with researching market demand for a product or service and examining its sustainability. It includes assistance with innovation.
If you are setting up or expanding a business then contact us to see if you are eligible for support.
Small businesses throughout Ireland can apply to the government for digital vouchers to the system in helping their businesses trade online. The objective of the scheme is to help small businesses grow their sales, exports and ultimately jobs.
Businesses are permitted to apply for one voucher each, up to a max value of €2,500 (matched funding).
Can I be guaranteed that my ideas will be kept confidential?
Any discussion between the Local Enterprise Office and businesses/individuals looking for advice/assistance are held in the strictest confidence.
I'd like to try LEAN consultancy to cut costs and reduce waste...
LEAN principles can be implemented across a range of sectors
- Retail
- Manufacturing
- Professional Services
- Distribution
- Personal Services etc.
What is Lean?
Lean is about being effective and efficient - doing things quicker, better, cheaper. Lean strives to stamp out waste and to continually improve.
Find out more - CLICK HERE
How can I make my business more environmentally friendly/sustainable?
Sustainability is often quite a theoretical concept and many small businesses just don't know where to start.
The new Green for Micro programme is designed to provide small businesses with tailored expert advice on how to drive sustainability. Qualifying SMEs will access two days of intensive mentoring including a sustainability audit and action plan, designed to help "green" your business.
Full details HERE
DO YOU NEED MORE INFORMATION?
Get in Touch
County Buildings, Galway County Council, Prospect Hill, Galway
info@leo.galwaycoco.ie
091 509090
© 2024 LEO