The Government has announced a new initiative to provide grants worth €5 million for small businesses.
The grants are to encourage innovation and the use of new technologies.
Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Micheál Martin said: "Today's announcement is a sign of my determination to deliver on the promise of improving the environment in which small business operates".
The programme was developed by the Department of Enterprise , Trade and Employment, Enterprise Ireland and the County and City Enterprise Boards.
Knowledge-acquisition grants of up to €50,000 will be made available to Enterprise Ireland companies formalising first time research and development plans.
Innovation vouchers are to be issued to small firms in a programme that will link them with research institutions to help develop their business.
Subsidies are planned over the coming three years for enterprises to carry out a full audit of their skills and IT systems.
