Strategic & Economic Development
Covid Supports for Business during Covid 19 Crisis. A useful information resource for businesses looking for a guide on supports which are available in response to the Covid-19 pandemic can be found here: https://www.localenterprise.ie/response/ The following link also highlights the supports available specifically available through the local enterprise office. https://www.localenterprise.ie/Portal/response/Other-LEO-Supports/LEO-Response-Supports-pdf.pdf LEO Financial Supports The Local Enterprise Office, Cork City, has implemented a variety of business support during the current pandemic: Business Continuity Vouchers : The Business Continuity Voucher, available through Local Enterprise Offices, is designed for businesses across every sector that employ up to 50 people. The voucher is worth up to €2,500 in third party consultancy costs and could be used by companies and sole traders to develop short-term and long-term strategies to respond to the Covid-19 pandemic. The goal was to help companies make informed decisions about what immediate measures and remedial actions should be taken, to protect staff and sales. The national deadline for applications was May 15 th and over seven hundred applications were received by Local Enterprise office Cork City. The majority of the applications have been processed with all eligible applicants approved and plans being implemented in many of these alrea dy. Over €1.5 million of voucher supports are expected to be approved in Cork City. Training and Webinars Local Enterprise Offices have moved training programmes, workshops and networking meet-ups online, covering areas such as cash management in a crisis, leading your business through COVID-19 and advice for employers impacted by the crisis. Training programmes are generally free of charge and places can be booked online, through the Local Enterprise Office. Almost one thousand people have participated in the webinars and training to date. New COVID-19 Business Loan: The COVID-19 Business Loan from Microfinance Ireland (MFI), in partnership with Local Enterprise Offices, is a Government-funded initiative to support small businesses through the current period of uncertainty. It’s designed for micro -enterprises that are a) having difficulty accessing Bank finance and b) impacted, or may be impacted negatively, by COVID-19 resulting in a reduction of 15% or more in turnover or profit. Capital expenditure, and in exceptional circumstances working capital loans, may be funded up to 5 years Mentoring : Under the Local Enterprise Office Mentor Programme, clients work with an experienced mentor to identify solutions to areas of exposure within their business. With advice and guidance from their mentor, clients develop strategies that are more robust, which address issues and maximise potential opportunities when the COVID-19 crisis comes to an end. Mentoring services are now free of charge and 98 businesses have availed of this service during COVID-19. Trading Online Voucher Scheme: Under the Government’s National Di gital Strategy, the expanded Trading Online Voucher Scheme helps small businesses with up to 10 employees to trade more online, boost sales and reach new m arkets. There is up to €2,500 available through the Local Enterprise Offices with co-funding of 10% from the business. These are all subject to eligibility and funding availability. 103 trading online vouchers have been approved to date with many more in the application or assessment phase.
Please note:* For LEO Financial Supports, further eligibility criteria apply.
Architectural Conservation Area Conservation Grants The Architectural Conservation Area Conservation Grant is in the process of being advertised. This grant scheme is fully funded by Cork City Council and it is uniquely run by Cork City Council. These grants are to encourage good stewardship of historic buildings in Architectural Conservation Areas of Cork City.
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