The Minister for Small Business, John Perry, has announced an extra €3.78m to the County and City Enterprise Boards (CEBs) to fund job creation projects in 2012.
It comes on top of the €15m in capital funding already provided to CEBs in 2012.
Minister Perry said: "It is well established that a huge proportion of jobs in this country are held in small, local enterprises. These companies are the lifeblood that is playing a key role in helping to restore our economy to a healthier footing.
"This is the second year in succession that the CEBs have indicated that the demand for their services is so strong that they need additional funding to respond to the needs of micro-enterprises in their area. Additional funding of €3.78m will provide sufficient direct capital assistance and other supports, such as mentoring and training, to assist in creating or sustaining 505 jobs throughout the counties concerned."