One-stop-shop for small businesses

Nineteen state bodies will come together in Dublin Castle on Oct 22 for a one-stop-shop free event for small businesses.

The event will allow small business owners to informally ask questions and get advice from a diverse mix of government agencies. It will include presentations that will focus on key regulatory requirements and the assistance available to help entrepreneurs develop their businesses.

The event is supported by SFA, Chambers Ireland, Isme, RGDATA, ACCA and the Hardware Association of Ireland.

The half-day event is specifically targeted at people thinking of starting a business and small business owners and managers. The aim of the event is to enable entrepreneurs to better understand the key regulations that affect them so that they can focus on the main task of running their business; meet experts from a broad range of public bodies in an informal setting; and find out about advice and supports that are available from across the public sector.

This initiative of the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation will bring together 19 state bodies in one location and builds on a pilot event last year which saw a small group of agencies attend a Health and Safety Authority event for small businesses.

The sate offices and agencies represented will provide information across a wide range of areas, including:

* Tax, employment and Health & Safety obligations.

* Legal requirements for setting up and running a business.

* Requirements in areas such as food and environmental safety.

* Advice on government procurement and intellectual property.

* Assistance and supports from enterprise agencies and local authorities.

A number of representative bodies from industry are supporting the event and will be available to talk to attendees on the day.