2nd October 2013
Wednesday 2nd October 2013
- LEOs will become the “front door” through which all information in relation to State supports for small and micro businesses can be accessed.
- LEO structure will build on the positive enterprise culture of the CEB model (which supports 33,000 jobs, 900 new projects p.a. and almost 25,000 training participants).
“The creation of the LEOs will see the establishment of a local First-Stop-Shop for new entrepreneurs and existing micro and small business owners,” said Minister for Small Business, John Perry T.D. Minister Perry was speaking during a debate on the ‘Introduction of the County Enterprise Boards (CEBs) (Dissolution) Bill 2013’ in Seanad Éireann.
The purpose of the Bill is to give effect to last year’s Government Decision to reform the system for delivery of State supports to micro and small enterprises by dissolving the current CEBs’ structure and create an enhanced enterprise support model to be delivered at local level by a new initiative called Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs).
“The LEOs will become the ‘front door’ through which all information in relation to State supports for small and micro businesses can be accessed under the one roof, including:
- Local Entrepreneur Support Programmes;
- A suite of other enterprise supports and development services;
- Other Business Development Services of the Local Authority.
“The LEOs will have a renewed local emphasis on enterprise and job creation combining the best of the CEBs, Local Authorities and Enterprise Ireland and will act locally as the catalyst and the advocate for the establishment of a best practice enterprise culture.
“At both national and local level, the indigenous micro-enterprise and small business sector – the lifeblood of our economy - is central to economic recovery, job creation and the future development of the Irish economy. This Governments vision is to ensure that there are locally accessible supports available that will nurture entrepreneurship and promote the creation and maintenance of employment, with a dedicated culture of delivery. The reform is a major commitment in the Programme for Government and a core element of the Action Plan for Jobs.
“CEBs have had an impressive track record in job supports over the last 20 years. The LEO structure will draw and build on the positive enterprise culture of the successful CEB model which supports 33,000 jobs across the country, 900 new projects per annum as well as almost 25,000 training participants.
“Under the new arrangements, the LEOs will deliver tailored supports to the highest standards, in a partnership between the Local Authorities and Enterprise Ireland based on a robust Service Level Agreement (SLA). The SLA can be viewed via this link: http://www.enterprise.gov.ie/Publications/Framework-Service-Level-Agreement-between-Enterprise-Ireland-and-Local-Authorities.pdf This will provide a framework for the delivery of an enhanced service to micro-enterprise and will be periodically reviewed to ensure that impact and value for money are being optimised via the LEO network.
“The LEOs will be supported by a Centre of Excellence* which has already been established within Enterprise Ireland. The Centre will lead, develop and manage the enhancement of a support service that generates innovative small and micro enterprises capable of increasing employment, exports and value added to the Irish economy.
“These reforms are about delivering improved supports at local level, to more businesses and ultimately create more jobs. Micro and small enterprises are a central part of our economy, and their ability to succeed and grow underpins our future potential for jobs, growth and prosperity. 98.5% of all firms are small and employ over 650,000 people throughout the country.
“It is vital therefore, that we continue to focus on delivering a practical programme of actions and enhanced supports that can achieve positive improvements in the operating environment for micro and small businesses.”
ENDS
Notes for Editors:
*The functions of the Centre of Excellence will include:
- Promoting innovation and best practice in the approach to supporting start up and entrepreneurship;
- Working in conjunction with LEOs to design and deliver appropriate national training and management development programmes at local level;
- Developing a common approach to mentoring and mentor management;
- Providing on-going training and development for LEO staff;
- Reviewing and Benchmarking the services and supports available from each LEO to promote best practice;
- Development and review of the Service Level Agreements and the promotion of high levels of performance and appropriate metrics
- The development and oversight of metrics on the quality of the local business environment.
ENDS
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