Corrib business initiative launched
A new small business initiative for Erris was launched last week under the Corrib Natural Gas Erris Development Fund.
Corrib business initiative launched
Áine Ryan
A NEW small business initiative for Erris was launched last week under the Corrib Natural Gas Erris Development Fund, a programme established to provide financial support and training for local enterprises.
Under the Erris Business Development Initiatives programme local businesses will be helped with start-up costs, website development and marketing.
The programme will be rolled-out by Mayo County Enterprise Board in conjunction with the local ÚdarΡs na Gaeltachta office and with the support of other local agencies.
The three-strand initiative will focus on increasing the level of awareness among businesses of the value of the internet, leading towards the optimisation, presence and usage of it. The second strand will comprise a series of workshops, interspersed with one-to-one advisory sessions. The third strand will aim to stimulate the establishment of new businesses in the area and to assist fledgling enterprises. While no capital funding will be provided, assistance will be available for normal costs associated with a start-up, such as office equipment, stationery, accounting systems and initial advertising and promotion.
“The current climate is difficult for small businesses everywhere and I believe that this package of initiatives has something to offer every small business in Erris in meeting these challenges head-on, overcoming them and coming out the other end of this recession as stronger, more competitive entities,” Mr Frank Fullard, CEO of the Mayo County Enterprise Board.
“We are open for applications for all three elements of the programme and I would encourage everyone operating a small business in Erris to make contact with us and see which support best suits the needs of their company at this time,” he continued.
Welcoming the implementation of the programme, Ms Fiona Togher, Social Investment Advisor for the Corrib Gas Partners, observed that enterprise was ‘one of the key areas through which the Corrib Natural Gas Erris Development Fund can bring real benefits to the Erris region’.
“I have no doubt that there will be a huge number of applications and that all those who participate will reap the benefits for their business, both now and into the future,” Ms Togher said.
Application forms are available from the Mayo County Enterprise Board offices at 094 9022887 or the ÚdarΡs na Gaeltachta office in Belmullet on 097 81418.