Kerry Enterprise Board helps create 47 new businesses
KERRY County Enterprise Board provided support that helped create 47 businesses in Kerry last year.
With support from the KCEB, the new businesses potentially created close to 100 new full time jobs in Kerry in 2011.
Grant aid totalling €460,910 was provided to the 47 micro enterprises. These start-ups have the potential to create 91 full time jobs and up to 57 part time or seasonal jobs.
A total of €340,171 was actually paid out in grant assistance to businesses with a further financial commitment to businesses of €262,231 awaiting drawdown.
In addition the Board spent a sum of €261,456 on the provision of a range of training initiatives with over 950 individuals participating in these events.
Chairman of the CEB and County Manager Tom Curran said the small business sector is critical to the economy of Kerry.
"The Enterprise Board provides invaluable support across a range of business sectors. I am encouraged by the entrepreneurial flair at the small business level. We are prospecting for the new business leaders of the future to create sustainable and high calibre jobs," he said.
KCEB CEO Tomás Hayes said 2011 had been a tough year but there were many positive stories.
"We need these stories. These projects will enable people to live, work and develop businesses in their own communities thereby contributing to rural development in a tangible way," he said.
