Supporting Local Entrereneurship
In association with Enterprise Ireland |
BUILDING SUCCESS FROM GRASS ROOTS
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Colm Hackett,
Manager for Regions and Entrepreneurship,
,
Enterprise Ireland |
Colm Hackett explains how community enterprise centres are supporting local businesses to move in to the next level.
There are many essential
elements required to
develop a successful
business, most notably
a viable idea that has
commercial potential
and an entrepreneur with the drive
and determination to see it through to
fruition. But that’s just for starters.
Another key ingredient in the new
business mix is the space to develop
that enterprise idea into a business
reality. And it certainly helps if that
space is a supportive one, provided
in a purpose-built environment with
state-of-the-art facilities and catering
specifically
for the needs of the
fledgling
start-up.
CEC SCHEME
The provision of such enterprise
space is one of the core objectives
of Enterprise Ireland (EI) and its
strategy to support and encourage
entrepreneurship at local level in
a balanced way throughout the
regions. To that end, EI established the
Community Enterprise Centre (CEC)
scheme.
Since 1989, this scheme has assisted
community groups around the country
to develop enterprise centres within,
and for, their own local community,
providing not only the much-needed
space for new business start-ups but
also acting a stimulus to drive growth
and job creation in those areas.
As a result of the scheme, there is
now a network of 95 vibrant CECs. The
centres currently accommodate over 840
businesses
employing more than 3,800
people and boast near full occupancy
rates on a constant basis. They are
designed to provide that all-important
supportive first step to business
startups
so that many tenants
eventually
move on to bigger premises as their
business grows and becomes more
established. This makes way for the next
entrepreneurial
project and so on, a fact,
which in itself adds to the vibrancy of
the enterprise centre culture.
ACHIEVING BALANCED GROWTH
As diverse as the communities in
which they are located, the CECs
support businesses across the
board. The majority of firms (49%)
are predominantly service-based
businesses while 19% are involved
in manufacturing and about 15% of
businesses are export-oriented.
According to Hugh O’Rourke,
manager of regions and
entrepreneurship at EI, the
establishment of CECs and the role
they play in the development of
successful small businesses is a very
visible and tangible example of what
can be achieved at the local level. “The
creation of these centres represents a
true partnership approach to enterprise
development at regional level with
community groups working together
with state agencies to facilitate the
growth of local enterprises. It is only
by providing the vital support that
entrepreneurs need, when and where
it is needed most, that we can best
influence the likelihood of success and
achieve our potential for balanced
economic growth,” adds O’Rourke.
Members of Action Tuam with local dignitaries turning the first sod for the new enterprise centre
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Since its inception, EI has approved over €34 million and paid
out over €22 million for some 137 CEC projects including 107 new
CECs and expansions to existing centres (30). Of the 137 projects,
20 are at various stages of planning or construction while 112 are
located outside Dublin city. The scheme, which was recently extended,
will see an additional €7 million in capital funding being provided
in 2006 to 2008.
The scheme is aimed at promoting
enterprise in those areas that lack
existing enterprise space, have
experienced significant job losses
or have a poor history of enterprise
development. It assists community
groups in the acquisition, leasing,
adaptation and/or construction of
buildings for the development of new
enterprise centres or for the expansion
of existing enterprise centres.
Proposals are now invited from
interested community groups seeking
to apply for assistance under the CEC
scheme 2006 to establish a centre
in their community. Funding will
be awarded on a competitive basis
subject to certain eligibility criteria.
The closing date for receipt of
applications is 27th April 2006.
Further details are available from Enterprise
Ireland or from your nearest EI or Shannon Development regional
office.
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Author: Colm Hackett is the Manager for Regions and Entrepreneurship
in Enterprise Ireland. Details of the nearest CEC in your area are available
from your local EI office. For contact details, log on to www.enterprise-ireland.com
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