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NOW OPEN FOR BUSINESS......IN YOUR COUNTY

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13/03/2014

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 The information below may be out of date.

 

NOW OPEN FOR BUSINESS……IN YOUR COUNTY

You Can Help South Dublin Chamber of Commerce and South Dublin County Council to understand your business needs by completing the countywide Economic Profiling Survey, and may even benefit the bottom line of your business. In addition to the Economic Profiling Survey, a new countywide business support grant scheme of €1.2m was approved by the elected members at the council meeting held on the 13th January 2014, and has now been launched. This means that a grant of up to €670 could be just waiting for your business.

This €1.2m Business Support fund for small and medium businesses will assist in easing the rates burden on the Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) sector in the county. The fund, which is potentially open to 70% or 4,700 of the total commercial ratepayers, will be paid as a financial support to occupiers of properties in South Dublin County. It is those SMEs with rates bills of less than €10,000 in 2014 that are eligible. Full details of the qualifying criteria for the grant are on the Councils website at www.sdcc.ie/business To date we have had almost 3,500 hits on our business website so we would urge business-owners to log on to take part in the survey.

The support payment will range between €75 and €670 depending on the annual cost of commercial rates for the applicants property. In order to be eligible for the fund, applicants must pay their commercial rates (including arrears) in full by the 31st July 2014. Ratepayers paying by direct debit will be given a year end deadline. In order to qualify all participants must complete the Economic Profiling Survey being conducted by South Dublin County Council in conjunction with the South Dublin Chamber of Commerce.

SUPPORT FOR THE INITIATIVE

In welcoming this new initiative the Mayor of South Dublin County, Councillor Dermot Looney, said: “I am delighted that the Council has approved this scheme following the decision of members to include a €1.2 million fund in our 2014 Budget. Retailers and small to medium enterprises make up the majority of businesses in South Dublin County and are vitally important to the local economy. Many of these companies have been hit hard by the economic slowdown. Councillors have, in recent years, sought to support these companies and their employees through rate reductions and freezes and a range of business supports. I am proud to support a scheme which prioritises smaller enterprises and targets local employment, growth and innovation. I would urge maximum participation in the Economic Profiling Survey so we can learn more about the make-up and needs of our local businesses. Businesses can take part in the survey and apply for the grant on www.sdcc.ie”

County Manager Daniel McLoughlin is fully supportive of this initiative stating that; “Economic Development matters are of the highest importance to this authority and a core activity of local government. The Council is playing a critical role in economic recovery and this initiative must be viewed in that context. South Dublin County Council as part of its 2014 budget made specific provisions totalling €5 million aimed at stimulating economic development, sustaining and creating jobs and ensuring that the appropriate supports are in place”

Peter Byrne, CEO of South Dublin Chamber of Commerce welcomed the start of the initiative stating that; “through the Business Support Programme we can maximise the supports that are available to businesses to keep them strong, sustainable  and growing, through this programme  we can  ensure our local economy is well placed to meet the challenges ahead. We believe this partnership model offers a route map to other counties to drive economic development”

FIND OUT MORE….

Information on the terms and conditions of the Small and Medium Business Support Scheme 2014 has been circulated to all businesses with their rates bills and more details can be found on the council’s website at: www.sdcc.ie/business The webpage includes qualifying criteria, application forms,frequently asked questions and contact details.

 

-ENDS-

 

Images

  • Andrea Carroll and Peter Byrne South Dublin Chamber of Commerce, Mayor Dermot Looney SDCC and County Manager Daniel McLoughlin
    Andrea Carroll and Peter Byrne South Dublin Chamber of Commerce, Mayor Dermot Looney SDCC and County Manager Daniel McLoughlin

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