Grant aid in the sum of €460,910 was approved in respect of 47 micro enterprises with the potential to create 91 full time jobs and 57 part time/seasonal jobs. The additional support will help retain an additional 60 jobs in supported businesses.
A total of €340,171 was actually paid in grant assistance to businesses with a further financial commitment to businesses of €262,231 awaiting drawdown.
In addition the Board spent a sum of €261,456 on the provision of a range of training initiatives. Over 950 individuals participates in events. These initiatives include Business Start Up Training, Business Growth Training, Marketing, IT skills, Design, Networking and ‘One to One Mentoring.
Mr. Tom Curran, Chairman of the CEB and County Manager stated “the small business sector is critical to the economy of Kerry and the Enterprise Board provides invaluable support across a range of business sectors. I am encouraged by the entrepreneurial flair at the small business level. We are prospecting for the new business leaders of the future to create sustainable and high calibre jobs. The CEB has a small dedicated and qualified team committed to enterprise support”
Tomás Hayes, CEO commented “it has been a tough year but there are positive stories and new business start ups. We need these stories. These projects will enable people to live, work and develop businesses in their own communities thereby contributing to rural development in a tangible way. We continue to have a good response to our programmes. Change in our structures will happen in 2012 but I am confident that this will reinforce the work underway.”
The Board continues to promote entrepreneurial capability at second and third level Educational Institutions, it runs a County Enterprise Awards, an Enterprise Week and a range of sectoral programmes in the Innovation, Food and Craft sector. The Board also supports business networking and a range of other programmes and seminars.
Tomás Hayes stated “ The structure of the Enterprise Board works with voluntary members at Board and project evaluation level driving the enterprise agenda. Local flexibility combined with local knowledge is of paramount importance to our work. I commend my staff, Board and Evaluation Committee members for their support and work”
2012 training schedules are currently under development and people can now book on line at www.kerryenterprise.ie.
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