Agency pledges to create 50 firms

THE Fingal County Enterprise Board, the organisers behind the new Start-Me-Up package of supports for start-up businesses, have set the ambitious target of creating 50 new companies, each of whom will benefit from intensive business support services.

The head of the Fingal County Enterprise Board, Oisín Geoghegan, is confident that the recession will open doors for those wishing to set up their own business.

“We’ve seen a significant increase in the number of requests for information from people seriously thinking of setting up their own business in 2009.

“Despite the recession, there are opportunities out there and there is huge interest in establishing new business. We are hoping to harness as much of that entrepreneurial talent as possible and convert it into job creation.”

The Start-Me-Up integrated package of supports is a new initiative designed for potential entrepreneurs and includes a place on the FETAC accredited Start Your Own Business programme for 10 weeks. Participants will also benefit from one-to- one advice and assistance in developing a business plan with an experienced business mentor and eligible businesses will have an opportunity to apply for start-up funding where eligible.