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On Monday, 10th May Waterford Chamber helped launch a new business mentoring network called Small Business Advice Programme. The launch was chaired by Waterford Chamber Deputy President Tom Murran who welcomed and introduced speakers who were Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Innovation Batt O’Keeffe TD, Deputy Simon Coveney TD, Redmond O’Donoghue, Chairman of Failte Ireland, Donal Kissane, Bord Gais and Eddie Hobbs, writer and broadcaster. The Waterford and South East launch follows on from the recent successful Cork launch, which has now attracted 35 volunteer advisors and helped over 70 companies. Read full press release
Tom Murran opened proceedings by welcoming the speakers. He went on to say “In today’s troubles times it is vital that all types of business can access relevant support, but finding that support often proves problematical and difficult. We at Waterford Chamber are delighted to be hosting the launch of a new impartial business advice programme that will help businesses in that very task. With the support of Bord Gais, who are principle sponsors of the programme, I am sure that this programme will assist many Waterford based businesses. It is also refreshing to see cross party political support for this programme and we welcome Minister for Trade, Enterprise and Innovation Batt O’Keeffe and Simon Coveney TD.”
Tom Murran continued, “Waterford Chamber will continue to be at the heart of many of these innovative business programmes such as this one and we are committed to aiding businesses in finding much needed support. This can be clearly demonstrated in our commitment to the Destination Waterford Project, the recently launch Welcome to Waterford visitor voucher, the FAS Viking Boat project and the soon to be launched Waterford Shopping/Gift Voucher. All of these types of initiatives are integral parts of one of probably the most active Chambers in Ireland.”
Launching the programme in the South East, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation, Batt O'Keeffe TD, said: “The Small Business Advice Programme is the kind of voluntary effort that can drive local entrepreneurship and stimulate economic activity in our communities as Ireland emerges from recession.
“History has shown that in challenging economic times we can find new opportunities and fresh entrepreneurship to lead us to growth and prosperity once more. That task to rebuild our shaken confidence and stimulate industry is being led by Government but it starts locally through the creativity and courage of our entrepreneurs. In the coming weeks I will be setting out my plans for recovery in the enterprise sector, including measures that will help to stimulate jobs and growth in our indigenous businesses,” Minister O’Keeffe said.
Speaking at the South-East launch, Deputy Coveney said: “We have been delighted with the voluntary response from business people in the South East. The consistent message you get from small business owners is that they are looking for quick, confidential help on specific problems.
“The experts we have brought together here are giving their time voluntarily and will be matched to businesses seeking assistance in tackling the difficult challenges they face. The fundamental idea behind this project is to capture and use the goodwill and skill-sets that many experienced business people have, in order to help small businesses survive through recession.
The programme is totally confidential and involves businesses applying online at www.smallbusinessadvice.ie, detailing where they need assistance. This requirement will be matched with an Adviser with knowledge in that area who will lend their expertise on a voluntary basis for a specific timeframe to help overcome the problem.
The principle programme sponsor is Bord Gais Éireann who are keenly aware of the difficulties facing small businesses in the current economic climate, many of whom are Bord Gáis customers, and welcome the opportunity to sponsor and support the initiative to assist the Irish small business sector during the current downturn.
Project Manager Donal Kissane from Bord Gais outlined how businesses can apply: “We are keen to keep the process as simple and streamlined as possible for small business. To apply all the small business needs to do is log on to the website www.smallbusinessadvice.ie where they will get full contact details including a phone hotline 021 4534163. Small business may also apply online via the website, by email or by fax - full contact details are on the website.”
Further details of the Small Business Advice programme are available on the website www.smallbusinessadvice.ie. |
