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Enterprise Stabilisation Fund Act 2009

The Enterprise Stabilisation Fund aims to help companies sustain and develop their business during these difficult times.

i) Funding:

The funding is provided primarily through preference shares, repayable after five years and typically at 3% interest rate.

ii) Eligible companies should be:

a) In the manufacturing and/or internationally traded services sectors

b) Judged by the NEC* to have a sound, robust and sustainable business plan that is financially viable in the medium term

c) Able to demonstrate financial commitment/contribution of promoters, banks, other investors etc. to the business plan

d) Businesses who can increase their exports as the world economy improves

iii) Companies approved such preference shares support can also apply for grant-aid for research and development, and competitiveness projects under existing NEC support programmes.

iv) Other grants available under the scheme:

a) Consultants grant for financial advice

b) Key manager grant - financial manager

c) Productivity specialists grant

d) Cost reduction specialists grant

v) The NEC will partially fund the costs of accessing buyers and getting new sales abroad - Trade Fairs etc.

vi) The NEC will fund a Euro market campaign - TV and print advertising in our key markets.

*National Employment Council


Any objections, suggestions make them known.

This SME Bill is tied to our drive for full employment. It is self-funding for the most part and shouldn't cost more than a few millions a year.