Enterprise Ireland Prepare for Brexit Breakfast at Thomond Park

Enterprise Ireland Prepare for Brexit Breakfast at Thomond Park

Micro and small businesses across Limerick are being urged to start preparing for Brexit now. 

Minister of State for Employment and Small Business Pat Breen has urged businesses to prepare for Brexit and to talk to their Local Enterprise Office (LEO Limerick) about the range of LEO supports now available. 

The Minister has announced a suite of Brexit supports totalling €3.4 million, now available to micro and small businesses through the 31 LEOs nationwide.  These include: 

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• Access to the ‘Brexit SME Scorecard’ online tool where micro and smaller businesses can self-diagnose their readiness for Brexit 
   
• A ‘Technical Assistance for Micro-Exporters’ grant to help LEO clients to find new markets and exports 
   
• Rollout of ‘Lean for Micro’ nationwide which will make small businesses more efficient and competitive; 
   
• An ‘LEO Innovation and Investment Fund’ pilot programme to support innovation in micro-enterprises and get them investor ready to scale their businesses 
   
• Tailored mentoring to address Brexit related business challenges 
   
• Training on specific Brexit challenges, including financial aspects 
   
•  Continued information, advice and guidance across all 31 LEOs and regionally 
   

Minister Pat Breen said “I am delighted to announce this suite of important Brexit supports which will be available for small and medium enterprises.  These are important resources as SME’s have fewer internal resources to draw on in meeting the challenges posed by Brexit.” 

“It is imperative that micro and small businesses have the tools and supports needed to navigate through what is uncharted territory.  This is part of the Government’s Brexit planning and I am very pleased that my Department through Enterprise Ireland has been able to accelerate the rollout of these new LEO offerings worth up to €3.4 million, and I urge small and micro business owners to get in touch with their LEO to see how they can help.” 

Brendan Flood, Divisional Manager, Regions and Entrepreneurship at Enterprise Ireland said: “All companies large and small will be affected by Brexit, and there are both opportunities and challenges arising. Preparation is crucial.” 

“The LEO supports being announced by the Minister will help to build resilience in micro and small enterprises so that they can better cope with the challenges that are ahead.  We are particularly pleased to be able to offer the Enterprise Ireland online Brexit SME Scorecard to the micro and small enterprise sector today.” 

“The scorecard will enable these companies to take the first step in preparing for Brexit by conducting their own assessment of areas of potential risk and opportunity, and to then develop a plan of action in response.” 

Eamon Ryan, Head of LEO Limerick said: “We are very pleased to be able to offer these Brexit supports to micro and small companies. The Local Enterprise Office in Limerick is the first stop shop for anyone wishing to start or grow their business.  If you are a start-up, micro or small enterprise, make us your first port of call for Brexit support and advice.” 

As part of the Brexit planning, a Prepare for Brexit breakfast is taking place in Thomond Park on Thursday 8th June 2017. 

The event will be opened by the Minister of State for Employment and Small Business, Pat Breen and panellists will include Frank Keane, General Manager, Vitalograph, Niamh Treacy, Financial Accountant, Woodco Energy Ireland and Leo McAdams, Divisional Manager, International Sales and Partnering, Enterprise Ireland. 

Hosted by Brian O’Connell, RTE Broadcaster, ‘Prepare for Brexit’ breakfast will focus on identifying exposure to Brexit, winning international sales and other strategies to address Brexit challenges and opportunities. 

Bernie Moloney Senior Enterprise Development Officer with LEO Limerick said “With contributions from Anne Lanigan, Manager of the Enterprise Ireland Brexit Unit and Jerry Moloney,  Enterprise Ireland Regional Director, Mid-West and the opportunity to pose your own questions, Prepare for Brexit breakfast promises to be a must-attend for those serious about preparing and planning for Brexit.” 

“This must-attend event is suited to companies who may have an exposure to Brexit on the export or supply side or are concerned about competition in the marketplace.” 

Prepare for Brexit breakfast will begin at 8 am and finish at 10 am.

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