Legislation aims to create new support model for small business

The Government has begun drafting primary legislation to create an enhanced national micro enterprise support model, delivered through Local Enterprise Offices.

The move would also dissolve the existing County & City Enterprise Boards (CEBs), Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Richard Bruton announced today.

Minister Bruton and Minister of State for Small Business, John Perry, also today launched a four-week public consultation on the Government’s reforms of supports for the micro-enterprise and small business sector.

The consulatation will seek the views of all stakeholders, in particular small businesspeople and small business representative groups, to the plans.

The structure of the new service was laid out by the Government decision of early 2012, based on proposals developed by Minister Bruton and Minister Hogan.

Responses to the consultation process will be considered by the Implementation Working Group, which will report to Minister Bruton after the end of the consultation process.

"Micro and small businesses are the backbone of the Irish economy, and employ over a third of all people working in Ireland today," said Minister Bruton.

"If we are going to create the jobs and growth we need we must provide better supports to this sector so that more of these businesses can start-up, grow, export, and create the jobs we need.

"That is why as part of the Action Plan for Jobs we have introduced a range of new measures aimed at micro and small businesses, including the €90m microfinance scheme and the €450m credit guarantee scheme.

"A key part of this plan is ensuring that micro and small businesses throughout the country have access to the best possible range of supports at all stages of their developments.

"That is why the Government decided earlier this year on a package of reforms which will ensure that this can be delivered, by creating a Centre of Excellence in Enterprise Ireland to develop best practice in small business support, and a network of Local Enterprise Offices in Local Authorities responsible for delivering these supports across the country.

"Today I am happy to announce that, after substantial work by my Department, Minister Hogan’s Department and all other stakeholders, I have secured Government approval to draft legislation to give effect to these changes.

"It is also important that all affected parties have the opportunity to have their voices heard on these changes, and I urge people to participate in the consultation process."