Mayor urges communities to apply for e-centre enterprise grants

THE mayor of Cork County has urged communities to apply for grants as part of a €1.25 million initiative designed to boost small enterprises in towns and villages.

Cllr Tim Lombard said grants of up to €35,000 are now being made available to individual communities who would like to set up “hot desks” and e-centres in their local areas.

Hot desks give businesses a low-cost and low-risk way of starting and running a business.

They are provided with access to broadband, direct-dial telephone numbers and shared facilities on a 24/7 basis.

The money, a 1% portion of Cork County Council’s commercial rates income which has been ring-fenced for economic stimulus, will be offered to communities who have accommodation for such e-centres but who need funding for the fit-out and IT equipment.

The council will provide help and expertise to develop the businesses.

“I am delighted there has been major progress on this fund,” Tim Lombard said.

“It will stimulate economic development and hopefully we will see an immediate benefit.

“And the most important thing is that none of this money will be spent on administration. It’s all going towards stimulating economic growth.”

Ger Power, the council’s head of finance and economic development, said the “hot desk” initiative will include a range of business development supports that will hopefully create jobs across the county.

This initiative builds on the successful Macroom E Enterprise Centre model developed by the council and enterprise agencies in Macroom town.

Maeve Bowen, the manager of the Macroom E Enterprise Centre, said providing “hot desk” facilities helps business owners meet fellow entrepreneurs, share contacts and offer support.

* Enquiries about the E Centres Fund, should be sent to Maeve Bowen by email at: [e-mail] or by phoning 026-20520.