Other LEO Supports

Local Enterprise Offices are here to help your business deal with the impact of COVID-19, in very practical ways.

To see a guide of the other available supports, click on the links below or go to related files section at the bottom of the page to download the PDF

New COVID-19 Business Loan


COVID-19 Business Loan

Lending under the MFI COVID Scheme has supported 2000 jobs across the country. 

Microfinance Ireland’s COVID 19 Business Loan Fund has been highly successful since its inception in March. Over €15.65 million in loans has been approved to 581 Irish micro businesses, and a pipeline of further applications being processed which will require the remainder of the €20 million fund. A further 760 businesses have been supported through restructuring or deferral arrangements for existing customers.

 

MFI COVID19 Business Loans €5,000 - €25,000 Applications now open



Up to €25,000 available with Zero repayments and Zero Interest for first 6 months and the equivalent of an additional 6 months interest-free subject to certain terms and conditions*

Here’s a link to Frequently Asked Questions about the Loan.
E-mail or telephone your Local Enterprise Office to find out more.

Mentoring


Mentoring

Under the Local Enterprise Office Mentor Programme, clients work with an experienced mentor to identify solutions to areas of exposure within their business.

With advice and guidance from their mentor, clients develop strategies that are more robust, which address issues and maximise potential opportunities when the COVID-19 crisis comes to an end. Mentoring services are now free of charge.

E-mail or telephone your Local Enterprise Office to find out more.

Trading Online Voucher Scheme


Trading Online Voucher

€2,500 available through the Local Enterprise Offices

Under the Government’s National Digital Strategy, the Trading Online Voucher Scheme helps small businesses with up to 10 employees to trade more online, boost sales and reach new markets.  There is up to €2,500 available through the Local Enterprise Offices with co-funding of 50% from the business*. 

 Businesses that have already received a Trading Online Voucher can now apply for a second voucher, where upgrades are required.  Previous voucher recipients cannot apply for a second voucher before they have submitted their final claim for their first voucher.

Funding can be used towards adding payment facilities or booking systems to your website or developing new apps for your customers. The voucher can also be used towards subscriptions to low cost online retail platform solutions, to help companies quickly establish a retailing presence online. 

Further eligibility, terms and conditions apply.

E-mail or telephone your Local Enterprise Office to find out more.

Training and Webinars


Training and Webinars

Booked online through your Local Enterprise Office

Local Enterprise Offices have moved training programmes, workshops and networking meet-ups online, covering areas such as cash management in a crisis, leading your business through COVID-19 and advice for employers impacted by the crisis.

Most training programmes are free of charge or a nominal fee may apply in some cases. Places can be booked online through your Local Enterprise Office.

E-mail or telephone your Local Enterprise Office to find out more.

LEAN for Micro


LEAN for Micro

LEAN for Micro is available to LEO clients to help build resilience within small companies.  Under this programme, clients can avail of consultancy support with a LEAN Expert (a qualified practitioner), who will work with the company to introduce lean principles, undertake a specific cost savings project and assist the company in benchmarking its performance.

LEAN for Micro can also be used to help implement new remote working and physical distancing guidelines.

E-mail or telephone your Local Enterprise Office to find out more.

LEO Financial Supports


LEO Financial Supports

For existing companies and potential start-ups that meet eligibility criteria (such as employing 10 or fewer people with the potential for growth and job creation).

Local Enterprise Offices can also offer financial supports to help manage current market challenges:

  • Business Priming Grants*
  • Business Expansion Grants*
  • Feasibility Study Grants*
  • Technical Assistance for Micro-Exporters Grant*

Please note: *For LEO Financial Supports, further eligibility criteria apply.

Please check back regularly for important updates and you’ll find e-mail addresses and
telephone numbers for every Local Enterprise Office here

To see a list of our supports, click on the links below or download the guide here. 

E-mail or telephone your Local Enterprise Office to find out more.