Encouraging and Supporting Enterprise

The last year has seen unprecedented changes to the world economy and we in Ireland are continuing to suffer the enormous fallout from these events. It is having a profound impact on our society and no business has escaped its effects. In particular small business is having an exceptionally difficult time.

Against this backdrop, the Fingal County Enterprise Board has moved quickly to support small businesses. By focussing on the needs of businesses, the Board ensures that our offerings are relevant to meet the challenges of business in Fingal.

We exist to serve the needs of entrepreneurs. We do this at a time  when government has to cut public
expenditure to redress serious deficits within the public finances. The Board is conscious of the restraints that this creates for supports to business and the economy as a whole. For our part, Fingal County Enterprise Board is working with all the other State bodies that have a role in encouraging entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship. We try to ensure that our services are offered in a nonbureaucratic manner, addressing the needs of our clients.

I have been involved with the Board since its inception in 1994. Since then, Fingal County Enterprise Board has supported many budding and enthusiastic small businesses and many of these have grown into highly successful larger companies. In Fingal, the one constant during this time has been the enthusiasm and commitment of the County Enterprise Board to reinvent itself to support small business and those considering going into business. The collective support of our Management and Staff Team, the generous time given by our Board of Directors, our many mentors and trainers, ensures entrepreneurs are well
served by the combined talents of all these people. Above all, our collective culture is to provide that service in a manner that encourages the spirit of entrepreneurship.

At present we have to run additional workshops for people who are considering starting their own business. Many of these people are those who have lost their jobs or are facing redundancy in the future. For those individuals we have a suite of offerings that may be helpful for them at this time. These services include
grant assistance for qualifying businesses, mentoring services, management development, business networking opportunities and business advice and guidance. These services are all delivered within Fingal and most importantly are focussed on the needs of small business owners and managers.

Fingal Country Enterprise Board will continue to play its part in encouraging small businesses and entrepreneurship so that they develop their business into sustainable enterprises. We believe that
when the economic upturn comes about, these businesses will be well placed to play their part in driving our economy forward.

My sincere thanks to all those involved in the production of this publication and I hope that you will find it a valuable resource in supporting the growth of your business.

Joe Harford, Chairman, Fingal County Enterprise Board.