The seminars will coincide with European SME Week, which will see a host of entrepreneurship  and business events taking place country-wide from 25 May to 1 June.

‘These  finance  seminars are all about assisting businesses gain a greater understanding  of  financial and taxation information, business development supports and employment initiatives’.

’These  areas  can  be confusing for many firms as they are often unsure of where  to  access relevant information; what form of funding, employment or tax  incentives  might  be  available  to  them  or the process involved in accessing and applying for funding or tax reliefs.

‘At  the  Seminars businesses will also have an opportunity to network with other  business  people  who  are  dealing  with  similar issues across all sectors  and  markets,  and  to  engage with business experts, in their own locality,’ said Minister Kelleher.

Conor Fahy,  Regional Director for the Border Region, Enterprise Ireland,

Welcoming  the  initiative,  said: “This series of seminars is an important opportunity  for  SMEs  in the North East to  hear  about  the  full range of information and supports  that  are available to help them deal with the issues that have a real impact on how they can effectively manage and grow their business. It links closely to a key priority of the Louth Economic Forum.
‘Whether  it  is  starting  or  expanding  a  business,  accessing funding, improving  competitiveness, exploring new product or market opportunities –right  across  the  spectrum  of  business  activities,  there  is  support available.”

Avine  McNally,  Acting  Director,  Small  Firms  Association  said: “In an increasingly  challenging and competitive environment for SMEs it has never been more important for owner-managers, to have every possible advantage in ensuring the survival and growth of their business.

‘With one in five small businesses in Ireland not getting enough credit, it is  vital  that  they  are  given  every  assistance  in  understanding the financial,  taxation  and grant information as well as employment subsidies that they may avail of.”

Minister  Kelleher  acknowledged  the  huge challenges that the SME’s face, particularly   in   relation   to  access  to  credit.  He  reaffirmed  the Government’s  commitment  to  taking  the  necessary  actions to get credit flowing.

The  series  schedule and more information on the seminars are available on

www.sfa.ie/events

For further information, please contact: Avine McNally, Acting Director,
SFA.  Tel: +353 1  6051633, Email: avine.mcnally@sfa.ie