Setting up a Business

Going into business involves a lot of planning, courage and determination but fortunately there is no shortage of support to help you get started whether you're a local or international entrepreneur.

Support is available in a number of ways

• Advice and signposting
• Subsidised training for you and your employees
• Grant aid for feasibility, capital works and employment
• Investment capital
• Loans
• Networking
• Advice on and access to business space

Talking to people already in business is great way to make contacts and develop business partnerships. There are lots of business networks and clusters, operating locally, nationally and internationally. Many new networks are virtual, offering networking online.

It can be confusing knowing which agency or organisation to contact, however, they are all in the business of helping business so even if they can't help you directly, they will point you in the right direction.

Whatever your business - Bio Sciences, ICT, Renewable Energy, Food, Tourism, or the Creative Sector - you'll find information relating to specific funding, training and networking in these pages.

Using our Business Information page, you can identify the most suitable organisation to contact for your business need, or contact us here in the Enterprise Section of Clare County Council. In particular if you are investing from abroad, we can help you with the most appropriate contacts.

Clare County Council has regulatory authority for planning, development, land use, environmental and fire safety permissions.

Clare County Council does not offer financial support to business but we do work closely with the many enterprise support and business organisations and can set up meetings to help you establish solid, business relationships.