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Assistance
LAOIS COUNTY ENTERPRISE BOARD

Portlaoise Enterprise Centre, Clonminam Business Park, Portlaoise, Co Laois

T: (0502) 61800
F: (0502) 61797
E: admin@laoisenterprise.com
W: www.laoisenterprise.com
Contact: Maria Callinan, CEO

Categories: Debt; E-Business; Equity; Grants; Information; Mentoring; Start-up Training; Training

The Laois County Enterprise Board empowers local enterprise through providing:

  • Advice, counselling, and mentoring for those wishing to start or expand their business
  • Informative publications for businesses, such as "Starting your own business", "Writing your own Business Plan", "Health & Safety Guide", etc.
  • A wide range of SME-related training courses designed to prepare owner managers and their staff to compete in the current business climate
  • Providing a range of financial assistance under the EU BMW Operational Programme.

The County & City Enterprise Boards have four types of financial incentives available:

  • Feasibility Study Grant (BMW region: maximum €6,350; South and East region: maximum €5,100).
  • Capital (/Refundable Capital) Grant up to €75,000.
  • Employment (/Refundable Employment) Grant up to €7,500 per new employee up to 10 employees. The employment grant may also apply to a person starting up his/her own business.
  • Equity Finance – up to €75,000 can be invested in qualifying limited companies in the form of Preference Share Investment.

The County & City Enterprise Boards provide a full Information and Advisory service to new and existing entrepreneurs on all aspects of setting up and running a business.

The Boards operate in their own areas as a “single point of contact and referral service” for all State agencies and organisations, providing information on enterprise incentives, business structures, taxation, regulatory obligations, workspace availability, market research, upskilling opportunities, business and strategic planning etc. Most Boards have available extensive libraries and information centres, which are at the disposal of clients.