A Time of Change

The recent year has been a challenging one for the small indigenous business sector. Kerry County Enterprise Board continues to deliver a suite of supports and financial assistance to qualifying businesses in the County.

At a national policy level, there has to be greater recognition of the role of microenterprise. Micro-businesses are better structured to endure these difficult times as they are lean, creative and flexible. A number of trends will emerge over the next years.

Historically, people tend to start more small businesses in an economic downturn. This can be a result of unemployment pressures and larger businesses outsourcing services. Micro-businesses will explore more opportunities in sectors such as healthcare, fuel, energy and product repair. Tourism, food and drink will be important drivers in the local economy.

The Board is positioned to meet these demands at a local level. Businesses with growth potentialmust be identified early, supported and grown within the business support structures.

The importance of the micro-business sector should be reflected in more flexible support mechanisms, particularly in the area of priming funding. Businesses need to develop and flourish locally before moving up the market chain. Business innovation and new service development is critical.

Kerry must also be marketed as a destination for businesses, both Irish and foreign, to bring long-term sustainable employment.

The Board is an enterprise creation agency but its primary role is to create an environment to support aspiring and growing entrepreneurs. The Board and staff are dedicated to this cause and challenges.

This information reflects this ethos and I welcome any enquiries regarding Kerry as a place to do business.

Tomás Hayes
Ceo