Public Call for expression of interest from suitably qualified and experienced individuals to serve on the Evaluation and Approvals Committee of the Local Enterprise Office (LEO)

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20/02/2014

Archived item. This item is published here for historical reasons. The information below may be out of date.

Public Call for expression of interest from suitably qualified and experienced individuals to serve on the Evaluation and Approvals Committee of the Local Enterprise Office (LEO).

Recognising the importance of micro and small businesses to the Irish economy, the Government will shortly launch a new network of Local Enterprise Offices around the country. Combining the resources of the existing County Enterprise Boards (CEBs) and the Local Authority’s (LAs) business support units, the 31 LEOs will become the first-stop-shop for all entrepreneurs and existing micro and small businesses to deliver an enhanced and integrated support service.

The new direction will ensure a more cohesive provision of support services to all local micro and small businesses including start-up companies and micro enterprise companies seeking to expand. Qualifying projects being considered for financial support will be evaluated by an Evaluation and Approvals Committee to be chaired by the County Manager.

South Dublin County Council is now inviting expressions of interest from persons interested in being appointed to the Evaluation and Approvals Committee. The Evaluation Committees will consist of the County Manager as Chair; a representative from Enterprise Ireland; and five individuals with specific areas of business expertise. There is no remuneration attached to the positions.

In considering the composition of the Committee, the Local Authority will give due consideration to principles of broad equality and gender balance. In making any appointments to this Committee, the Local Authority will not necessarily be confined to those who make such expressions of interest but will ensure that all of those appointed have the relevant mix of knowledge and expertise to contribute to the Committee.

Prospective members should have:

experience in assessing financial proposals and an ability to challenge company submissions
broad business experience and a clear ability to empathise with challenges facing micro and small enterprises
the ability to demonstrate their understanding and experience in the micro and small enterprise sectors.

Of particular interest is what specific skill sets the candidate would bring in assessing investment proposals and candidates should set out clearly their expertise in the following:

Entrepreneurship
Debt/banking and/or cash-flow management expertise
Equity and / or Investment expertise
Financial and / or business qualifications
Business Development
Marketing / Sales / Sectors
Technology

Expressions of interest should be sent by e-mail to Frank Nevin, Director of Economic Development, fnevin@sdublincoco.ie, and should, based on the above, provide a brief outline of skills, competencies and qualifications and a short statement outlining why s/he wishes to be considered for a position on this Committee. South Dublin County Council will acknowledge receipt of such applications and inform applicants in due course of the decision in relation to the appointments.

The Authority will appoint members for a maximum period of three years in accordance with the provisions of the agreed Service Level Agreement between the Local Authority and Enterprise Ireland.

All expressions of interest lapse at the end of two calendar years.