One to one sessions with specialist advisors can be arranged to deal with sensitive/urgent business issues. All meetings will take place at TNCEB Training Centre, Nenagh by appointment. Free of Charge to qualifying businesses.

Comprehensive on-site skills development programme for owners/managers preceded by a diagnostic visit to identify barriers to growth. The initiative is tailored to suit the needs of the company and the duration varies from as little as one up to six days on-site coaching focussing on the skills and expertise required to overcome perceived barriers and strengthen competitiveness. Training / Consultancy is delivered by specialists from a professional panel. The programme is funded by the Board and participants will be expected to contribute a participation fee of not more than 10% of the assignment cost.

Comprehensive accredited training for existing firms involving a mix of group training workshops and one to one on-site sessions. Limited to 15 qualifying firms, training is generally delivered over a number of months with on-site meetings arranged to suit the participant. The participating firm generally contributes 10% of the training cost.

On-site counselling to address areas of concern such as costing, financial management, marketing, sales, production, standards and systems, business planning etc. The Board has a panel of experienced Mentors which are assigned following a needs analysis as appropriate. Similar to other programmes, the grantee is required to contribute 10% of the assignment cost payable in advance.

The Board has established a panel of Temporary Business Advisors for the current year to address issues specifically in the areas of financial planning, costing, taxation, business structures etc. A fee of €20 per visit applies to grantees under the scheme and unlike Mentor meetings usually take place at the practitioners place of business.

On-site assistance is available for development of Internet capability and search engine optimisation as well as formulating web marketing strategies, content management etc. Beneficiaries under the scheme are expected to make a contribution of €30 towards each on-site coaching session. The Board appoints a panel of E-Commerce Coaches on an annual basis.

Grant is based on 50% of actual expenditure or a qualifying expenditure ceiling of €2,000 whichever is the lesser. The grant scheme covers exhibition fees such as stand rental, graphics and participation in show catalogues. The Scheme limit will apply to each grantee on an annual basis (i.e. no applicant may receive more than €1,000 in a calendar year). The Trade Fairs/Exhibitions Support Scheme will be confined to qualifying micro-enterprises (i.e. not more than 10 employees) and the approval of the Board must be obtained before the date of the actual show/exhibition. Firms are also offered the option to participate on group exhibition stands at events such as SHOP, Showcase etc. at highly subsidised rates.

Introduced in 2007 to enable companies develop business in overseas markets. The Board provides grant assistance towards the cost of participating at exhibitions/trade shows and eligible costs may include stand rental, show catalogue, air-fairs, accommodation and other associated costs. A maximum Grant of €3,000 or 50% of eligible costs subject to a ceiling of €6,000 whichever is the lesser applies. Any expenditure incurred prior to the date of application will be deemed ineligible. Only one application per company will be accepted annually which can include attendance at a number of trade events, development of export market specific advertising material and/or 3rd party export market research. Grants will be paid on receipt of vouched expenditure. All claims must be accompanied by a Market visit Report, including names and contact details of persons met. The Grantee shall satisfy the Board that they are not in receipt of subvention from Enterprise Ireland or other State Sources.

Grant is based on 50% of actual expenditure or a qualifying expenditure ceiling of €2,000 whichever is the lesser. Eligible costs include design and digital imagery/photography, initial domain name registration and search engine optimisation. Applications to the Board must be made in advance of expenditure being incurred.

All applications must be supported by a fee proposal/quotation from at least three website development firms. The Scheme is restricted to qualifying enterprises only, such as firms employing fewer than 10 staff in the manufacturing, internationally traded or specialised services sectors. The grant is available on "a once off" basis. Projects in the retail and distribution sectors are ineligible under the scheme.

The government funded 'Tech-Check' is offering your business a heavily subsidised 'technology makeover' for just €150. "Tech-Check" is designed to provide independent advice to small business owner/managers on improving their business using technology (companies employing 50 staff or less). The end result of the service is a set of practical recommendations through which owner managers can:

The service is delivered by Tech-Check Advisers from a panel appointed locally by each County/City Enterprise Board. These advisers have been selected to provide a balance between technology and business expertise and they operate to a strict code of conduct to ensure professionalism and independence. Application is very simple and an on-line application form is available on www.techcheck.ie. The site allows users to choose their local County/City Enterprise Board and ensures that the application is sent directly to that Board.

The Board offers grant assistance to eligible firms towards the installation of Quality Systems and HR Standards such as ISO, Q-Mark, Excellence Through People etc. Excellence Through People (ETP) is Ireland's national standard for human resource management. A 50% grant subject to a maximum of €1,500 is available towards eligible consultants fees, accreditation costs etc. The grant requires advance Board approval and is paid based on vouched expenditure and receipt of ISO, ETP or other certification.

A limited number of training grants can be made available to firms who do not qualify for assistance from FAS or other bodies. Training grants are paid on completion of an approved training programme on receipt of certification of attendance and vouched expenditure. Prior approval in writing is essential. Such grants are limited to owner/managers of qualifying firms only.

New and existing women in business are encouraged to join the North Tipperary women in business network - Network North Tipperary. Network meetings take place on the first Tuesday of each month and feature guest speakers who discuss topics of both business and social interest. Network North Tipperary provides an excellent opportunity to broaden your base of business contacts. The Board funds the Network's training activities and has appointed an Event Co-ordinator. If you are interested in joining the Network, contact Ms Kerrie O'Connor of Event Success kerrie@eventsuccess.ie

Computerised Management Accounting training programmes (CMATP) can be arranged for firms who previously participated in group training workshops organised by the Tipperary North County Enterprise Board to deal with confidential accounting issues. Each on site visit will be of circa 3 hours/ half day duration and the participating firm will be required to contribute 50% of the cost. Alternatively training may be arranged at the Board's training centre by appointment as part of the Business Advisor Consultation Days at no cost to qualifying firms.

In addition to the "Smart Know" programme, the Board can support qualifying firms to buy in technical expertise and training in the areas of Research & Development, new product development, harnessing creativity, intellectual property, branding, corporate identity etc. Intervention usually takes the form of on site training or consultancy with assignments carried out at the company's place of business. The Board outsources consultants from an approved panel managed by Design Shannon or Fruition Ltd. and the participating firm generally contributes 10% of the assignment cost.

The National Enterprise Awards is sponsored by the 35 County and City Enterprise Boards and each Board organises a competition at County level. The competition was introduced in 1997 and is restricted to firms employing 10 or less staff that has availed of Measure 1 financial support. The National competition takes place at Dublin Castle in October.

The Board is in a position to support Tipperary Companies to participate in Plato Mid West or other worthwhile initiatives such as the Mid-West Engineering Skillnet. Plato provides small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with a unique business support forum for exploring business growth and expansion.

If you are interested in any of these initiatives, please contact the Tipperary North County Enterprise Board on: 067 33086 or info@tnceb.ie . You may also request a meeting with CEB staff to progress your business plan or answer any question you may have.