Funded by the Certified Public Accountants (CPA) Ireland, the Hincks Centre for Entrepreneurship Excellence conducted a study that involved primary research with incubator and non-incubator firms along with incubation centre managers and enterprise support agencies.

The aim of the study was to provide a comprehensive understanding of

* the key characteristics of growing SMEs,

* the impact on job creation and performance,

* the barriers to growth of these firms and

* the supports required to achieve their growth goals.

and also to contribute to changes in policies and supports available to meet the needs of growing SMEs, in turn stimulating the Irish economy.

The study provided empirical evidence of what determines growth in SMEs in Ireland. More importantly, for those firms that have not grown to their potential, this study provided insight into the specific issues that are constraining growth and the specific supports that are required to overcome these barriers.

Accountancy Plus, the official journal of Certified Public Accountants (CPA) Ireland published the research.

For more information about CPA go to http://www.cpaireland.ie