Interest in start-up soars as Cork businesses thrive

SMALL businesses in Cork city are thriving and the level of interest among would-be entrepreneurs has shown a sharp increase in the past 12 months.

Cork City Enterprise Board, having witnessed this upsurge, has launched its autumn programme of initiatives to assist business people and those wishing to start businesses in the city.

Chief executive officer of the board, Dave Cody, said the upsurge of interest in business has been unprecedented in the city and the demand on services is building all the time.

There is much more financial and other State aid out there for those who want to set up in business on their own, according to the board.

Mr Cody said, the latest programme aims to helping as many people as possible, make people aware of the level of help that exists out there for them.

“Many people are not aware of the capital grants available to grow their businesses, and are also unaware of employment grants for additional employees,” he said.

Feasibility study grants are available for new projects, while the board can assign business mentors to qualifying small companies and would-be entrepreneurs to help them get started, Mr Cody said.

“We are about to launch a series of highly subsidised business training courses and seminars to assist small business in developing business skills and knowledge” he said

To date in 2006, the board has provided grant assistance for 16 small businesses in Cork, resulting in the creation of 21 new jobs. Of these businesses, nine were start-ups and seven were expansions.

In the last 12 months, management development training and mentoring services were provided to more than 120 local businesses.