Martin unveils small-business grants scheme

The Government has announced a new initiative to provide grants worth €5 million for small businesses.

The Government has announced a new initiative to provide grants worth €5 million for small businesses.

The grants are to encourage innovation and the use of new technologies.

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Micheál Martin said: "Today's announcement is a sign of my determination to deliver on the promise of improving the environment in which small business operates".

The programme was developed by the Department of Enterprise , Trade and Employment, Enterprise Ireland and the County and City Enterprise Boards.

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Knowledge-acquisition grants of up to €50,000 will be made available to Enterprise Ireland companies formalising first time research and development plans.

Innovation vouchers are to be issued to small firms in a programme that will link them with research institutions to help develop their business.

Subsidies are planned over the coming three years for enterprises to carry out a full audit of their skills and IT systems.