Helping small businesses to access global markets through the Internet is the aim of a new project, run by Fingal County Enterprise Board and NRG Business Solutions, announced yesterday.

Speaking at the opening of the board's new offices in Swords, County Enterprise Board chief executive officer Mr J.J. Ryan said: "We are now bringing the spirit and supports for small businesses into the heart of the county, offering totally accessible services for anyone who wishes to avail of them."

The Fingal Focus scheme will give small businesses - many of whom do not have access - a presence on the Internet, with a website designed for them and, if necessary, orders relayed to them via the Internet. Along with Fingal Focus, the board has also initiated Trade Net Ireland, a new business network for Ireland on the Internet, which is a joint e-commerce initiative with a number of partners in the Dublin/ Belfast corridor. The website, www.tradenetireland.com, will see businesses entering their company details on the website, which will then match their services with companies in Ireland who need them.

More than 150 companies from both North and South have already joined the All-Ireland network, which is open to any company regardless of size or type and will go into full operation on Monday.

The initiative is intended to create stronger business associations between customers and trading partners on both sides of the Border.