Minister Kelleher announces country-wide series of business finance

seminars for SMEs

Minister for Trade and Commerce Billy Kelleher today (Wednesday) launched a

series of eight business finance seminars to assist SMEs to gain greater

understanding of financial, employment, tax and business supports

information to manage and grow their business.

Launching the seminars, Minister Kelleher said: "Our priority in

Government is to make sure that the operating environment for the SME

sector works effectively for them, allowing them to get on with the job of

growing their business, winning new sales and increasing employment.

Organised by Enterprise Ireland, the Small Firms Association, IBEC, the

Irish Taxation Institute and the County Enterprise Boards, the seminars

will be held at locations across the country from Monday 24th May to Friday

4th June 2010.

The seminars will coincide with European SME Week, which will see a host of

entrepreneurship and business events taking place country-wide from 25 May

to 1 June.

‘These finance seminars are all about assisting businesses gain a greater

understanding of financial and taxation information, business development

supports and employment initiatives’.

’These areas can be confusing for many firms as they are often unsure of

where to access relevant information; what form of funding, employment or

tax incentives might be available to them or the process involved in

accessing and applying for funding or tax reliefs.

‘At the Seminars businesses will also have an opportunity to network with

other business people who are dealing with similar issues across all

sectors and markets, and to engage with business experts, in their own

locality,’ said Minister Kelleher.

Eamonn May, Department Manager Investment Services, Enterprise Ireland,

welcoming the initiative, said: "This series of seminars is an important

opportunity for SMEs to hear about the full range of information and

supports that are available to help them deal with the issues that have a

real impact on how they can effectively manage and grow their business.

‘Whether it is starting or expanding a business, accessing funding,

improving competitiveness, exploring new product or market opportunities –

right across the spectrum of business activities, there is support

available."

Avine McNally, Acting Director, Small Firms Association said: "In an

increasingly challenging and competitive environment for SMEs it has never

been more important for owner-managers, to have every possible advantage in

ensuring the survival and growth of their business.

‘With one in five small businesses in Ireland not getting enough credit, it

is vital that they are given every assistance in understanding the

financial, taxation and grant information as well as employment subsidies

that they may avail of."

Minister Kelleher acknowledged the huge challenges that the SME’s face,

particularly in relation to access to credit. He reaffirmed the

Government’s commitment to taking the necessary actions to get credit

flowing.

The series schedule and more information on the seminars are available on

www.sfa.ie/events