Carlow County Enterprise Board was established by the Irish Govenerment in late 1993 with the primary objective of promoting enterprise and encouraging  the establishment if new businesses in the County, as well as supporting the growth of existing businesses.

The over all aim of the Carlow County Enterprise Board is to facilitate the creation of sustainable jobs through the development of a positive economic environment in the county. 

Carlow County Enterprise Board is the first port of call for those needing information and advice on how to go about setting up or expanding a micro business venture. Services Include:

• Information & Advice
• Training & Development
• Mentor Programme
• Networking Events
• Financial Assistance

Information and advice on the services of the Board and on aspects of setting up in business is available at the offices of Carlow County Enterprise Board. Our experienced business advisors offer impartial, confidential and professional advice.  To discuss a new business idea or an existing business issue please call  059/9130880 to set up an appointment.

One to one assistance with business planning and grant applications

To arrange an application, e-mail comerfordk@carlow-ceb.com or call 059 9130880

Training & Development

Training is a vital element  in the management and development of any small business. Most successful entrepreneurs will tell you how important it is for them to be familiar with  every aspect of the business, from legal to financial to health & safety to marketing, production, and so on. They will refer to the importance of keeping up with current technological and business changes and maintaining the skills necessary to operate profitably and efficiently in a changing environment. Carlow County Enterprise Board assists small businesses to develop the skills necessary to compete in an increasingly consumer driven market.

The Board provides a broad range of training courses, programmes and seminars for:

• Entrepreneurs with Business Ideas
• Owner/Managers in Start-up Businesses
• Businesses that have been in existence for a number of years

The Board's varied range of training is designed to meet the needs of the different stages involved in the development and growth of a small business. The courses and programmes provided by the Board are delivered by qualified professional trainers.
For information on our current events visit our Current Events Section

Mentor Programme

The Enterprise Clinic & Mentoring Programme is designed to enable Carlow County Enterprise Board to provide small businesses with temporary business advisors, known as mentors, whose role may include to:

• Listen
• Offer expert advice
• Help Identify Problems and Suggest Solutions
• Assist in Drawing Up an Action Plan

The panel of mentors is made up of mature experienced business people all of whom contribute considerable expertise to the Programme.
Areas of involvement generally include: business management, financial structuring, production planning, marketing, distribution and business planning. For further contact our offices on 059/9130880 or complete this application form.

Financial Assistance

Carlow County Enterprise Board supports small business growth through a number of grant options. In order to qualify for grant assistance there are a number of criteria which a small business must comply with in order to be eligible for assistance.

What are the criteria for Grant Assistance?
Projects must be in the commercial sphere and must, in general, be capable of attaining economic viability without ongoing Exchequer or EU assistance. Eligible projects are those involved in either manufacturing or internationally traded service (Local servies are not eligible). 

In particular, project promoters should be able to demonstrate that :

• That there is a market for the proposed market or service.
• Adequate overall finance will be available to fund the project.
• They possess the management and technical capacity to implement the proposed project. Projects to be assisted should add value so as to generate income for those involved and should have the capacity to create new direct employment in small enterprises.
• The proposed project is viable in the long term.