Public Consultation Launched on Entrepreneurship Policy as research shows that 67% of all new jobs are created by start-upsMinister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton TD today (Friday) announced the establishment of a small Entrepreneurship Advisory Forum to advise and support his Department and to influence policy in the area of entrepreneurship. The Forum will be chaired by entrepreneur and investor Sean O’ Sullivan.
Minister Bruton and Minister for Small Business John Perry TD also today launched a public consultation inviting interested parties to make submissions as part of an assessment of the current environment for entrepreneurial activity.
Within the Action Plan for Jobs 2013, the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation has committed to publish a National Entrepreneurship Policy Statement in Q4 of 2013. The main deliverables of the project are to outline key recommendations and actions to support entrepreneurship for inclusion in the 2014 Action Plan for Jobs.
The announcement comes as recent research by the Central Bank shows that 67% of all new job-creation comes from businesses in the first five years of existence. New policies to better support and encourage more entrepreneurship and start-up activity are central to the Government’s Action Plan for Jobs.
Launching the new Forum and public consultation, Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton said:
“67% of all new job-creation comes from businesses in the first five years of existence. That is why supporting entrepreneurship and start-up activity is a central part of our Action Plan for Jobs, and since taking office we have introduced a range of changes to support greater activity in this area, including a microfinance scheme and credit guarantee scheme to provide better access to finance, as well as establishing a network of first-stop shops in every county to make it easier for businesses to access supports.
“It is now time to develop the next phase of our plan, and that is why I have asked Sean O’Sullivan to chair a forum to advise on new policies, as well as launching a public consultation so everybody’s voice can be heard on this issue. Effective consultation with interested parties and stakeholders will ensure that the issues we prioritise are the right ones, and we will publish our plan by the end of the year.”
Minister for Small Business John Perry said, “We need to ensure that we foster the development of an entrepreneurial culture that supports entrepreneurs to identify new business opportunities, establish successful companies and generate employment. I strongly encourage interested stakeholders to participate in the consultation process.”
Commenting on the Forum its new Chair, Sean O’Sullivan, said:
“Entrepreneurship is about creating something from nothing, about growth and change and the kind of disruption that improves people’s lives. It is effectively a kind of magic that impacts the entire economy. We need to look at what the government can do to draw out this magic, to support it and develop it, and where necessary to simply stand aside and let people get on with it themselves. I am expecting we will deliver some substantial recommendations out of this Forum and consultation process.”
For more information contact:
DJEI Press Office, Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, 01-6312200, press.office@djei.ie
Notes to Editors:
Considerable steps have been taken arising from the Action Plan for Jobs to improve the business environment for entrepreneurs such as improved angel, seed and venture funds; microfinance loans; business Online Vouchers to get more businesses trading online; Enterprise Ireland’s new Competitive Start Fund for Female Entrepreneurs; rationalising business licences and the establishment of Local Enterprise Offices in Local Authorities to reform the system for delivery of support to start-ups and micro enterprises. A National Entrepreneurship Policy Statement will complement the existing business support initiatives, to ensure that the operating environment is more coherent, responsive and conducive to entrepreneurship.
The deadline for receipt of submissions from interested parties is close of business on Friday 7th June 2013. The consultation paper is available for download on the Department’s website at www.enterprise.gov.ie/Publications/Public-Consultation-A-National-Entrepreneurship-Policy-Statement-for-Ireland.pdf or by contacting the SME Policy Unit at 016312389 or 01 6312929.
Submissions may be made by email to smepolicy@djei.ie
Or by post to: Entrepreneurship Consultation, SME Policy Unit, Department of Jobs, Enterprise & Innovation, Kildare St., Dublin 2