When an aftermarket business is looking for information, support and perhaps grant funding, it has not always been easy to find out what is available and how to talk to the right people. Now a new service has been launched called the National Enterprise Hub, which is staffed by experts and trained advisors and is focused on helping businesses access a range of government supports.

The hub brings together information and resources on over 180 government supports, from 19 different departments and state agencies, which can be accessed through the new online hub (www.neh.gov.ie) or by speaking to a member of the team of advisors by phone, or via live chat.

The aim is to make engaging with government supports more efficient and to increase the uptake of grants and government schemes, which will ultimately support the development and growth of Irish businesses. 

It is a free service that should make it easier for entrepreneurs to access supports, such as grants, funding, loans and expert advice across a range of sectors. 

This initiative is funded by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and operated by Enterprise Ireland. The Hub also involves the Departments of Finance, Social Protection, Agriculture, Food and the Marine as well as Local Enterprise Offices, IDA Ireland, InterTradeIreland, SEAI, Fáilte Ireland, Skillnet Ireland, Bord Bia, Design and Crafts Council Ireland, Microfinance Ireland, Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland, Teagasc, Údarás na Gaeltachta, Solas and the Western Development Commission.

Conor O’Donovan, Head of the National Enterprise Hub, Enterprise Ireland, says, “Running a business isn’t easy, but accessing government supports should be. Our research shows that small businesses are facing many challenges, including rising costs, attracting and retaining talent and not having the time to focus on the future of their business. The National Enterprise Hub is a new single source of government supports for businesses. From simple, easy-to-access grants, to expert advice and training, we’ve brought all of this information together in one place and have a helpful team of experts and advisors who will guide businesses every step of the way”.

The hub team can be contacted through the website www.neh.gov.ie , by phone: 01-727-2100, where users can engage directly with an advisor.

Looking at the website, there does appear to be lots of potentially very beneficial support on offer, especially in key areas such as employment and training. Autobiz would be keen to hear from any business that has engaged with these services and the experience they have had.