This morning we hosted another very informative Second-Tuesday event for our members, “Accessing Government Grants and Supports.”
A big thank you to our fantastic speakers: Ciara Horgan Roca (National Enterprise Hub), John Moore (Local Enterprise Office), and Lorna Duffy (Microfinance Ireland) who shared practical guidance on the wide range of supports available to SMEs and, importantly, how to successfully apply for them.
It was great to see so many members and local businesses join us bright and early to learn how funding, mentoring, and financial supports can help businesses start, grow, and scale with confidence.
Key takeaways from the session included:
- You don’t have to go it alone. If you’re looking for advice, support, or guidance, there are many resources and mentors available to help guide your journey. Often, the hardest part is knowing where to start or how to keep going when you hit a block.
- As a first step, we recommend exploring the BEC AI Consultant, a great tool to help summarise what’s available to you in the Irish market. You can also connect with your local LEO office to request a mentor or sign up for their newsletter to stay informed.
- The National Enterprise Hub is a valuable resource, helping to connect you to the right supports at the next stage of your journey.
- Additionally, Microfinance Ireland offers financial support for those who may not qualify for loans through traditional financial institutions.
Events like this are a great reminder that support is out there, and that connecting with the right people can make all the difference. Please feel free to contact today’s speakers below if you need funding support – they will be happy to help.
Ciara Horgan Roca: ciara.horganroca@enterprise-ireland.com
John Moore: john@smartmedia.ie
Lorna Duffy: lduffy@microfinanceireland.ie
And if you’re not a member yet, why not join the Association today and be part of our network of local SMEs? We’ve got plenty more events, workshops, and networking opportunities lined up.
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