Tomas Hayes, CEO in his presentation of the 2008 Annual review announces that over 1,081 individuals are now employed in County Enterprise supported businesses.
The business environment is difficult but people are being conditioned by the ongoing negativity across the media. This is not helpful for new business generation.
The Board met on six occasions during 2008 and approved financial assistance totalling 542,276 euro for 47 projects. Resources were maximised through the provision of 194,548 euro in refundable form which allows recycling of funding.
The Board supported entrepreneurs and businesses in the generation of 47 full time and 19 part time jobs.
A total of 1,169 individuals participated on business programmes including 504 males and 665 females.
The Board paid out 65 grants amounting to 496,747 euro during the year. This resulted in private investment of 1,050,809 euro.
The Board operated as a one stop shop providing information and advice from the Boards offices. Over 1,200 individual meetings with clients and potential clients were held.
The staffing complement amounted to three full time and 2 part time staff over the period.
Staff continued to attend and address seminars, workshops, training courses and classrooms.
94 businesses were approved Mentor support in 2008 and 80 mentor assignments were completed. This programme provides one-to-one training and advice to clients on their own business premises.
Twenty one business networking events were held during 2008 allowing small businesses to generate additional business and provide peer support.
The Business Network held 11 network meetings which were held on the first Monday of each month. Average attendance was 35 participants.
This network met on ten occasions with an average attendance of 20 participants.
The Board has engaged in cross border trade support including links with Micro-trade and the Dungannon Enterprise Centre
Minor financial and development supports to a maximum of €1,500
43 individuals/groups received technical assistance in the areas of website development, corporate branding and marketing support.
E business Technical Assistance - 21 participants
Marketing Assistance - 22 participants
Eight Business Start Up Programmes were held during 2008. 114 persons participated in the programmes which included one to one business coaching for each participant.
13 Computerised Accounting and 7 Computerised Payroll programmes were held involving 109 participants
The Board supported five individuals who accessed training directly themselves.
Seven Food Businesses participated in 5 Workshops and individual mentoring services. The business attended the UK Food Trade Fair and undertook a Speciality Food Tour to Dublin to meet with major retailers.
A series of specific seminars were held throughout 2008.
The Board supported the Genesis Enterprise Programme administered by the Cork Institute of Technology. Three Kerry based businesses participated. This Programme provides a package of supports for graduates wishing to start knowledge based, innovative businesses with export potential.
The creation of an enterprise culture is one of the functions of the Board and one of the means of achieving this is through the Student Enterprise Awards Scheme run and funded by the Board in 2nd level schools throughout the county. 27 students participated in the scheme in the 2007/2008 School year.
The Board supported the Young Entrepreneurs Programme as a Platinum Sponsor.
The Board launched a series of workshops and mentoring sessions in 8 schools which has resulted in the presentation of 38 new formative school businesses which will be adjudged in the 2009 Student Enterprise Awards.
Five finalists were selected and Karl O� Connor of Blue Box displays was nominated to the National Finals.
3 companies participated with the support of the Board
The Board completed 43 business ICT Audits involving 86 client visits and delivery of recommendations.
Board staff participated and supported national and local initiatives as requested by the National CEB Association and Committees.
These included;