Leader of the Independent Team of Ministers and Minister for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rails and Ports, Seán Canney TD, has welcomed the establishment of a dedicated Small Business Unit in the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, describing it as a clear signal that this Government is committed to backing small businesses and ensuring their voices are heard in the policymaking process.

The new Unit delivers on a key commitment in the Programme for Government and aims to ensure the needs of small businesses are recognised across all areas of Government.

“The establishment of this Unit represents an important step in ensuring that small businesses – the backbone of our economy – receive the attention, focus and tailored support they deserve,” said Minister Canney.

Key functions of the Small Business Unit include:

Promoting the implementation of the SME Test, which requires policymakers to consider the impact of new laws and regulations on small businesses.
Providing strategic direction to the National Enterprise Hub (NEH), which delivers expert advice and support to thousands of businesses, 98% of whom are not clients of Enterprise Ireland or the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs).
Supporting and resourcing the 31 Local Enterprise Offices nationwide, with a strong emphasis on helping businesses enhance competitiveness, embrace digital and green practices, and grow export capacity.

Minister Canney welcomed the renewed focus on exporting and innovation, saying: “LEOs will continue to play a central role in growing the number of Irish-owned exporters by 1,700 by 2029, while new grants such as Grow Digital, Energy Efficiency and the Market Explorer Grant will help businesses compete internationally.”

Concluding, Minister Canney said: “Small and family-run businesses are at the heart of every town and community in Ireland. This new Unit will ensure that they are supported not just in word, but indeed – through investment, innovation and real impact on the ground.”