The 35 CEBs, were established in Ireland in 1993 to provide support for small businesses ('micro-enterprises') with 10 employees or less, at local level. CEBs provide direct grant-support to new and existing enterprises and promote entrepreneurship, capacity building and women-in-business at local level, to micro enterprises in the commercial sphere. The CEBs are uniquely positioned to understand local needs and know the background and track record of those applying for support and assistance. CEBs are co-funded by the Irish Government and EU Structural Funds. The CEBs support both new and established businesses with a suite of supports including: •Advice •Mentoring •Grants •Supports for Training and Growth

The purpose of the Competitive Start Fund is to accelerate the growth of Lifesciences, Cleantech and Industrial start-upcompanies that have the capability to succeed in global markets. The fund is designed to enable those companies reach their key commercial and technical milestones

New Frontiers is Ireland's national entrepreneur development programme that is delivered at a local level by the Institutes of Technology. If you have an innovative business idea and are planning to establish and run your own company the New Frontiers Enterpreneur Development Programme can rovide you with a package of supports to help accelerate your business development and to equip you with the skills and contacts that you need to successfully start and grow your company.

The Internet Growth Acceleration Programme (iGAP) is an intensive management development programme aimed exclusively at high potential internet companies. Over six months, iGAP will equip managers within the Irish internet industry with the practical tools needed to formulate aggressive international growth plans and scale their businesses.

Dublin City University's Ryan Academy for Entrepreneurship is delighted to announce the establishment of an initial seed venture fund of €1 million for early stage technology startup companies. The new venture fund is in conjunction with a venture accelerator programme, which will help fund new companies develop from concept to product. The aim of the venture fund is to jump-start a number of high technology start-ups in Ireland with an emphasis on software and biotechnology hardware ideas such as medical devices and diagnostics.

Startupbootcamp is a membership based programme. Most of the value comes from the close interaction with our mentors who are all serial entrepreneurs and subject experts.

Ireland's leading fast-track programme for business start-ups. Under the new two-phase structure, Endeavour is open to founders (and their co-founders), as well as scientists, engineers, or persons from any other discipline who may not have their own idea but are committed to being part of the launch and operation of a new and innovative technology, web or software business in Ireland. We are looking for ambitious, innovative, high achievers with a strong work ethic.

To be clear, Smart Start acts as a co-founder in that we take equity and also expect reward. We are a true partner, with you every step of the way, helping every way we can, working hard to get the business off the ground. We don't sit back when the cheques are signed, we roll up our sleeves! While we do invest in businesses, that is not all we offer as a partner, we bring the support and advice to bring your business to a global stage - Investment, Mentors, Advisors, Workshops, Direct Sales Activity.... Practical, Hands-on, Results!

First-Step Microfinance provides loans of up to €25,000 to start up or expanding new businesses. First-Step provides loans to people who want to create their own enterprise and who cannot access funding, or sufficient funding, from other sources. First-Step's core goal is to help finance start up and expanding Small and Medium Enterprises (SME's) to provide job opportunities. We have an application and screening process which evaluates the applications received and stress tests them for likely success based on information received. First-Step is a private not-for-profit company. First-Step receives funding from Enterprise Ireland through the EU Seed and Venture Capital Fund and the Social Finance Foundation. First-Step is the beneficiary of an SME Guarantee Facility created within the framework of the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme (CIP) of the European Community.

Getting Irish Businesses Online is an initiative offering a free website, domain, advisory assistance and €100 Google Adwords trial to help businesses establish an internet presence. Working in partnership with Google, Blacknight and An Post, the City and County Enterprise Boards have established Getting Irish Businesses Online as a hassle-free way for businesses to easily create an online presence, including: Free, easy-to-update website. Free .ie, .eu or .com domain for the first year. Ongoing tips and education. Free Google Adwords trial, with expert phone support. By demonstrating to businesses how easily they can set up and maintain a website, it is hoped that the initiative will stimulate more interest in the benefits of online marketing, trading, networking and services for the 40% of Ireland's businesses that currently have no website or internet presence. Businesses can visit the Getting Irish Businesses Online website to quickly set up their own website, with a full range of assistance, tips and examples on offer to guide them through the process. Businesses with an existing website can get assistance with improving the performance of their site.