Financial assistance that could displace employment

Hexis

Is it ok for a CEB to give grant assistance to a competitor in the same line of business that will affect my company's business and employment?
Business is hard work these times and now even more so without the level playing field.

Thanks

Southsider1

Why not?

Have you had grant aid from them?

Do you think you should have a monopoly in your area?

Have you spoken to the CEB about it?

What did they say?

Should they discriminate?

Hexis

Hi, have had no grant aid and will talk to the CEB about it, I don't think I should have the monopoly, but this injection may give them the monopoly or at least a significant advantage. Yes, I think the CEB should discriminate, assisting businesses that displace other businesses is not achieving anything, they should really concentrate on unique business types or innovative ideas. Let the businesses in the same space succeed or fade away by competing against each other on a level footing the normal way.

Sonnenblumen

Hexis wrote: »

Hi, have had no grant aid and will talk to the CEB about it, I don't think I should have the monopoly, but this injection may give them the monopoly or at least a significant advantage. Yes, I think the CEB should discriminate, assisting businesses that displace other businesses is not achieving anything, they should really concentrate on unique business types or innovative ideas. Let the businesses in the same space succeed or fade away by competing against each other on a level footing the normal way.

How on earth could a CEB grant undermine any business? Any business which could be threatened by a CEB grant, has much more fundamental weaknesses?

Protectionism is illegal, amazed to see it raise an ugly head on an 'Enterprise' forum!:mad:

Hexis

Fair enough, I'm definitely in the minority. Thanks for the feedback.

Southsider1

Sorry Hexus, I wasn't meaning to have a go at you - merely trying to get a handle on where you're coming from. Look, I have absolutely no faith in the Enterprise Boards, having had several dealings with them on behalf of clients. I've yet to meet anyone in the CEB who has ever run their own business. They have all the theory from the text books but absolutely no business sense or business instinct. Their criteria is also very very limited. eg they only contribute funding to manufacturing and export businesses. The biggest employers in Ireland are local small businesses - mainly retail - the CEBs don't want to know. They're churning out Entrepreneurs from their start your own business courses again with all the text book theory imparted by someone without a clue of how a real business in these uncertain times operate. They'll have some goon from the local bank in to lecture the 'Entrepreneurs' with a complete load of sh1t. One thought to ponder: Name one of the top thirty Entrepreneurs in Ireland who completed a course with a CEB.

antoinolachtnai

I think this is definitely problematic. It is what is called 'state aid'. State aid is not always illegal under EU law, but it can be.

In general, what you say is happening is not good economic policy. If they drive you out of business or force you to retrench, there will be no net increase in jobs in the area as a result. You should certainly write to the CEB and ask them not to do it. You could also consider applying for your own grant, perhaps to allow you to expand your business into a neighbouring area.

You might at least be able to delay this funding for the competitor, even if you cannot completely stop it.

It is not protectionism to expect the state not to give funding to provide something which is already available.

Hexis

Thanks guys, I talked to the CEB, they were very helpful and my concerns have been put to rest, no assistance was given and it was only all a crock by the competitor.

Now I must go and start a campaign that insists every one buy the locals products and services only and not the imported goods or even goods outside the county, the town even.. protectionist... me? ...hardly

antoinolachtnai

I would consider getting a little letter on record to the CEB, even if you do not want to put absolutely everything that was discussed into the letter.

Glad you feel you got a result.

MonicaBing

Guys would the Enterprise Board aid with the setting up of a pub that sells food also? Cant see anything on the website.. Thanks..