Government announces new Small Business Unit to oversee access to grants

SMEs account for 99.8% of all enterprises, according to the CSO

A new dedicated Small Business Unit based in the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment will oversee access to grants and supports for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), enterprise minister Peter Burke said. Picture: Gerard McCarthy

A new dedicated Small Business Unit based in the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment will oversee access to grants and supports for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). 

SMEs - those businesses employing less than 250 people - account for 99.8% of all enterprises and 69.2% of persons employed according to the CSO. Enterprise, tourism and employment minister Peter Burke said the Small Business Unit will ensure the perspectives of small businesses are considered across Government before new legislation or regulation is introduced. It will also ensure the local enterprise offices are properly resourced to help small businesses, he said.

“Small businesses employ two thirds of our population and keep our local communities and economies vibrant and strong. Government must recognise this, and ensure we are providing the support that SMEs need to run their businesses successfully and continue to provide vital employment and economic benefit across the country," Mr Burke said.

The move is part of the Programme for Government commitments.